iPhone 17 sales jump 14% over iPhone 16 in first 10 Days, base model big hit in some countries

iPhone 17

Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series is off to a flying start. According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 has sold 14% more units than the iPhone 16 did during its first 10 days in stores. The surge is being seen mainly in China and the US, two of Apple’s biggest markets.

So, what’s behind this strong start? Experts say it’s mostly because of the regular iPhone 17 model, which offers great features at the same price as last year’s iPhone 16. It comes with a faster chip, a better screen, more base storage, and an improved selfie camera — all without a price hike. On top of that, many Chinese retailers are offering extra discounts and coupons, making the new iPhone an even better deal.

“The base model iPhone 17 gives people excellent value for their money,” said Counterpoint analyst Mengmeng Zhang. “That’s why so many customers in China are rushing to buy it.”

In the US, the story is a little different. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is leading sales there. This is because major telecom companies are offering bigger discounts and trade-in offers, making the most expensive iPhone more affordable. By doing this, carriers hope to lock users into long-term contracts and boost revenue from monthly plans.

Another new model, the iPhone Air, which uses eSIM only (meaning no physical SIM card slot), is also doing slightly better than last year’s iPhone 16 Plus. The phone is finally launching in China, with pre-orders starting October 17 — a big step for Apple’s eSIM push.

Overall, experts say Apple has hit the right balance this year — with the iPhone 17 offering strong value for everyday users and the Pro Max appealing to premium buyers. Together, they’ve helped Apple start the iPhone 17 era with a bang.