Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is off to one of the strongest starts in recent years, with the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max leading early sales charts across major markets like the U.S. and China. According to Counterpoint Research, combined early sales for the lineup are up around 14% compared to the iPhone 16 series during the same launch window.
Reports indicate that the base iPhone 17 has seen the biggest jump in demand, nearly doubling sales in China compared to last year’s base model. Analysts attribute this surge to Apple’s strategy of adding premium features, such as a 120Hz ProMotion display, upgraded cameras, and a larger base storage, all while keeping the price the same as last year. The result is a stronger value proposition that’s clearly resonating with buyers.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max continues to dominate the premium segment, especially in the U.S., where carrier trade-in offers and financing deals have made it more accessible. Its upgraded A19 Pro chip, enhanced battery life, and new titanium finish seem to be driving steady upgrade demand among high-end users.
In contrast, the new iPhone Air appears to be struggling to gain traction. Despite its ultra-thin design and new color options, analysts say its sales have been underwhelming, prompting Apple to reportedly cut production by up to 1 million units. The Air’s higher price and niche positioning may be limiting its appeal compared to the more balanced base and Pro models.
Overall, the iPhone 17 launch marks one of Apple’s best-performing openings in years. Strong sales across its core models indicate renewed consumer confidence, especially after a relatively soft iPhone 16 cycle. However, the weaker demand for the iPhone Air highlights that Apple’s experiment with diversifying its lineup still faces market challenges.
If the current trend continues, Apple could see its global iPhone shipments rebound for 2025 with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max leading the charge, while the Air model quietly slips behind.
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