Apple drew crowds at its Beijing flagship store on September 19 for the launch of the iPhone 17, with around 300 people arriving in the morning to pick up pre-ordered devices.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, starting at 9,999 yuan (US$1406), is expected by analysts to be the best-selling model in the new lineup.

The base iPhone 17 features a brighter and more scratch-resistant screen, along with a better front-facing camera.

Apple has faced increased competition in China from Xiaomi and Huawei this year, resulting in a 6% drop in shipments in the first eight weeks of Q3, according to Counterpoint Research.

Omdia forecasts an 11% year-on-year rise in iPhone shipments in China for the second half of 2025, driven by the iPhone 17 series.

🔗 Source: Reuters

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