iPhone 17 Lineup Sales Outperforming Last Year's Models
The iPhone 17 lineup outsold the iPhone 16 models by 14% during the first 10 days of availability in the United States and China, according to new sell-through data from Counterpoint Research.
Counterpoint said the figures represent the earliest measurable signal of demand for the new generation in Apple's two most commercially important markets. The firm said the overall uplift is being led by stronger upgrades to the standard iPhone 17, particularly in China, and by higher uptake of the iPhone 17 Pro Max among U.S. carrier customers on enhanced subsidy plans.
In China, Counterpoint said sell-through of the $799 base iPhone 17 nearly doubled compared to the iPhone 16 during the equivalent initial window. The firm attributed the shift to a changes-for-price ratio that has remained favorable year-on-year. Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang said in Counterpoint's report that the standard iPhone 17 is "very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money." He cited a new chip, improved display, increased base storage, and an upgraded front camera at an unchanged list price as key factors. Counterpoint said discounts and coupons layered on top of that positioning have amplified conversion in retail and operator channels.
In the United States, Counterpoint Research said sales of the iPhone 17 Pro Max are ramping up faster than the equivalent iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the big three carriers increasing maximum subsidies by roughly $100. Senior Analyst Maurice Klaehne said carriers are using richer headline subsidies to lock in higher lifetime value under 24- to 36-month financing. Counterpoint said this is driving a mix shift toward the top end of the lineup and reinforcing Apple's premium-tier retention in the subsidized segment of the market.
The iPhone Air is apparently performing slightly ahead of last year's iPhone 16 Plus on a comparable calendar basis. China's operator approval process delayed local availability until October 17. Senior Analyst Ivan Lam said that while the China launch is a milestone for eSIM adoption, the short pre-order window and the price-to-spec gap relative to the base iPhone 17 will likely limit near-term volume, characterizing early demand as "niche."
Counterpoint said momentum for the standard iPhone 17 in China and for the Pro Max in the U.S. continued into early October beyond the 10-day measurement window, providing the first structured indication that the iPhone 17 cycle is tracking ahead of the iPhone 16 cycle at launch in Apple's two most important iPhone markets.
Popular Stories
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Apple silicon chip that replaced Intel chips in Apple's Mac lineup. The first Apple silicon chip, the M1, was unveiled on November 10, 2020. The M1 debuted in the MacBook Air, Mac mini, and 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The M1 chip was impressive when it launched, featuring the "world's fastest CPU core" and industry-leading performance per watt, and it's only ...
Apple released the first iOS 26.2 beta last week. The upcoming update includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more.
In a recent press release, Apple confirmed that iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, but it did not provide a specific release date....
Apple will conceal the front-facing camera under the screen of its 2027 iPhone, a Chinese leaker said today, corroborating reports that Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone will have no visible cutouts in the display.
Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station said Apple's development of under-screen camera technology was progressing as planned for adoption in 2027, one year after it will...
Apple has teamed up with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE to launch iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted limited edition accessory designed to carry an iPhone, AirPods, and other everyday items.
The accessory is like a stretchy pocket, not unlike an iPod Sock, but elongated to form a strap made of a ribbed, elastic textile that fully encloses an iPhone yet allows you to glimpse the display...
The thin, light iPhone Air sold so poorly that Apple has decided to delay the launch of the next-generation iPhone Air that was scheduled to come out alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, reports The Information.
Apple initially planned to release a new iPhone Air in fall 2026, but now that's not going to happen.
Since the iPhone Air launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales...
We're officially in the month of Black Friday, which will take place on Friday, November 28 in 2025. As always, this will be the best time of the year to shop for great deals, including popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When ...
Apple is expected to announce a new HomePod mini imminently, headlining with new chips. Here are all of the new features we're expecting.
The second-generation HomePod mini is highly likely to contain a more up-to-date chip for more advanced computational audio and improved responsiveness. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip from 2019. Apple is likely ...
The future of Apple Fitness+ is "under review" amid a reorganization of the service, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that Apple Fitness+ remains one of the company's "weakest digital offerings." The service apparently suffers from high churn and little revenue.
Nevertheless, Fitness+ has a small, loyal fanbase that...
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season.
Note: MacRumors is...
Apple today updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed on Apple's website, or at an Apple Store.
The charts below provide an overview of Apple's current and previous trade-in values in the U.S., according to its website. Maximum values for most devices either decreased or saw no change, but the iPad Air received a slight bump.
...
