Apple’s latest smartphone, the iPhone 17, has made an impressive entry into the market. According to a report by the research firm Counterpoint, the new iPhone 17 series has outperformed last year’s iPhone 16 in early sales, especially in China and the United States. In fact, during the first ten days after its launch, sales of the iPhone 17 series were 14% higher than the iPhone 16 series during the same period.

The report highlighted that Apple’s new model has gained much more attention and excitement from consumers compared to its predecessor. This increase in demand shows that Apple still holds a strong position in the global smartphone market, despite growing competition. The company launched the iPhone 17 series worldwide in September, and it quickly drew large crowds at Apple stores, especially in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, New York, and San Francisco.

One of the most interesting findings from the Counterpoint report was that the base model of the iPhone 17 performed particularly well in China. In the first ten days of its release, sales of this model nearly doubled compared to the iPhone 16 during the same period last year. Across both China and the United States, the base iPhone 17 model saw a 31% rise in sales. This jump shows that buyers are responding positively to Apple’s latest upgrades, even without a major increase in price.

Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang from Counterpoint explained why the iPhone 17 is attracting so many customers. “The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money,” Zhang said in the report. “A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade – all for the same price as last year's iPhone 16.”

This quote sums up why many people are excited about Apple’s newest phone. Consumers are getting better features without paying more, and this balance of quality and affordability seems to be working in Apple’s favor.

The iPhone 17’s new chip has been a major talking point. Apple has focused on improving performance, making the phone faster and smoother to use. The upgraded display also offers brighter colors and sharper visuals, making it perfect for watching videos, gaming, or scrolling through social media. Many customers in China, where camera quality is often a top priority, have also appreciated the improved selfie camera.

In addition, Apple has increased the base storage for the iPhone 17, allowing users to keep more photos, videos, and apps without needing to buy higher-end models. This change has been seen as a smart move by the company, as many buyers now see greater value in the base version itself.

Experts believe that these changes show Apple’s careful understanding of what customers really want. In recent years, some people have felt that Apple’s new phones were too similar to older ones, with only small updates. However, the iPhone 17 seems to have changed that opinion by including visible improvements in key areas while keeping the same price.

In China, Apple has faced growing pressure from local smartphone makers like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Huawei recently launched its own advanced phone, which led some analysts to wonder whether Apple could keep up. But early sales of the iPhone 17 suggest that Apple has successfully held onto a strong customer base in the Chinese market. Shoppers in Beijing and Shanghai lined up outside Apple stores on launch day, showing that the brand still has loyal fans who trust its products.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Apple continues to dominate the premium smartphone market. Many U.S. customers see the iPhone not just as a phone but as a lifestyle product. With its sleek design, new features, and reliable performance, the iPhone 17 has continued to strengthen Apple’s image as a brand that blends technology with luxury.

Another factor that might have contributed to the strong early sales is the timing of the release. Apple launched the iPhone 17 in mid-September, right before the holiday shopping season. This early start allows the company to take advantage of upcoming sales events like Black Friday and Christmas, when many consumers plan to buy electronics.

Industry analysts also believe that Apple’s marketing strategy played a big role in the iPhone 17’s success. The company has always been known for creating excitement before each product launch, and this year was no different. From sleek advertisements to engaging product demos, Apple made sure people were eager to see what was new in the iPhone 17 lineup.

Apart from sales numbers, the strong start also gives Apple confidence as it prepares for the final quarter of 2025. The company is known for having its best sales during the holiday season, and the early performance of the iPhone 17 could help it achieve record revenues by the end of the year.

It is also worth noting that Apple’s strategy of keeping prices stable while improving performance has likely increased consumer trust. At a time when many electronic products are becoming more expensive, customers appreciate getting better value for the same cost. This has made the iPhone 17’s launch one of the most positive ones in recent years.

As the weeks go by, it will be interesting to see whether Apple can maintain this momentum. The company has already received strong pre-orders and early feedback, but it faces challenges such as supply chain pressures and tough competition in global markets. Still, with its loyal fan base and innovative designs, Apple appears to be on a promising path.

To sum up, the iPhone 17 series has started off with impressive sales in both China and the U.S., showing Apple’s ability to continue attracting consumers even in a highly competitive environment. The base model’s strong performance, better features, and unchanged price have made it especially popular. As Senior Analyst Mengmeng Zhang noted, “A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade – all for the same price as last year's iPhone 16.”

Apple’s strategy of giving customers more value seems to be paying off once again. The iPhone 17 not only represents another successful product launch but also proves that innovation, affordability, and customer trust can go hand in hand.