Apple Dominates Pre-Orders in China with iPhone 17, Delays iPhone Air Launch Over eSIM Approval

Apple's iPhone 17 dominated pre-orders in China, with the 256GB configuration being the most ordered model. The iPhone Air launch was delayed due to eSIM approval issues in China, but US customers can still expect to receive their iPhone Air models by the launch day on September 19. Analysts have raised price targets for Apple, citing stronger health and AI integration, improved battery life, and upgraded cameras. Apple controls 25.71% of the global smartphone market, with a 57.24% market share in the US.

Apple's iPhone 17 series has shattered pre-order records in China, surpassing the iPhone 16 series within the first minute of availability. Despite the absence of the iPhone Air due to regulatory issues, the standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage emerged as the most popular variant among Chinese consumers Apple iPhone 17 series breaks iPhone 16 series’ China records in first minute^[1].

Pre-orders on JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce platforms, exceeded the entire first-day volume of the iPhone 16 series within just 60 seconds of going live at 8pm local time. This overwhelming demand created technical difficulties, with customers reporting website crashes and payment processing delays of up to five minutes on Apple's official site Apple iPhone 17 series breaks iPhone 16 series’ China records in first minute^[1].

The iPhone 17 Pro Max was particularly in high demand, with all in-person pickup slots at Shanghai Apple Stores booked within 20 minutes, and customers in Guangzhou now facing delivery delays extending to October 15 Apple iPhone 17 series breaks iPhone 16 series’ China records in first minute^[1].

The record-breaking performance demonstrates Apple's enduring brand strength in China despite intensifying competition from domestic rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi. Just days before Apple's Tuesday launch event, Huawei unveiled its second-generation trifold smartphone, while Xiaomi accelerated its Xiaomi 16 launch from October to late September Apple iPhone 17 series breaks iPhone 16 series’ China records in first minute^[1].

Analysts have raised price targets for Apple, citing stronger health and AI integration, improved battery life, and upgraded cameras. Apple controls 25.71% of the global smartphone market, with a 57.24% market share in the US Apple AirPods Pro 3 Unveiled: Enhanced ANC, Health Sensors, AI Features^[3].

Meanwhile, Apple is likely to delay shipments of its new iPhone Air in mainland China as it is working with regulators to resolve issues linked to the use of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology. The ultra-thin iPhone Air requires eSIM support, which is pending regulatory clearance from Chinese authorities Apple delays iPhone Air launch in China as eSIM approval remains pending^[2]. US customers can still expect to receive their iPhone Air models by the launch day on September 19.

Apple's iPhone 17 series launch coincides with the unveiling of the AirPods Pro 3, which features advanced noise cancellation, health sensors, and AI-driven features. These earbuds are priced at $249 in the US, with international pricing varying Apple AirPods Pro 3 Unveiled: Enhanced ANC, Health Sensors, AI Features^[3].