The Regular iPhone 17 Is Already Setting Sales Records in China

Apple’s latest iPhone lineup is out, but it’s not the flashy new Air or the premium Pro Max making early headlines. Instead, the regular iPhone 17 is turning out to be a surprise crowd favorite. In China, pre-orders for the base model are already breaking records, with millions rushing to secure one before launch day.

Record-Breaking Demand in China

On JD.com, one of China’s biggest online retailers, the standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage became the most pre-ordered model after sales opened on September 12. In just the first minute, JD.com reported volumes surpassing the entire first day of iPhone 16 pre-orders last year. By the next day, over 3.7 million reservations were logged for the base model alone, according to figures cited by the South China Morning Post. Apple’s own website even crashed under the traffic, and many color and storage options quickly sold out.

Some of this demand was boosted by delays to the new iPhone Air, which is waiting on regulatory approval in China. But analysts say the regular iPhone 17 likely would have been popular regardless. Pickup slots for the Pro Max sold out in minutes, and delivery dates for all iPhone 17 models in major cities have already slipped well into October.

Why the Base Model Stands Out

For years, the standard iPhone felt like the “boring” option. But the iPhone 17 changes that. It still starts at $799 (5,999 yuan in China), the same price as last year’s iPhone 16,  but Apple doubled the base storage to 256GB. It also features a larger 6.3-inch display with thinner bezels, finally catching up to Pro models with a 120Hz LTPO OLED ProMotion panel. This means smoother scrolling and the ability to drop down to 1Hz to save battery. Add in Apple’s latest A19 chip, built on TSMC’s new 3nm process, and the base iPhone suddenly feels like a serious upgrade.

These changes make the regular iPhone 17 look less like a compromise and more like a smart buy. Shoppers get a faster phone, more storage, and a Pro-level screen without crossing the $1,000 mark.

Analysts See Apple Playing It Smart

Market watchers say Apple’s decision to spread upgrades across the lineup is paying off. “Apple has astutely segmented its product line-up, ensuring each model appeals to distinct user needs,” said IDC’s Nabila Popal. In other words, the Air may woo design lovers and the Pros will keep power users, but the iPhone 17 offers the best balance of value and features.

Apple’s strategy also comes at a critical time. The company faced sluggish iPhone 16 sales earlier this year, resorting to discounts in China. Now, the iPhone 17 launch is reversing that trend, with Foxconn already asked to ramp up production. Still, rivals like Huawei and Xiaomi are moving fast with foldables and early launches, keeping the competition fierce in China’s high-end market.

A Strong Start for the 17 Series

The early success of the regular iPhone 17 shows Apple doesn’t always need a radical redesign to score big. By giving the base model features people actually want, more storage, a bigger Pro-level display, and the latest chip. Apple may have found the sweet spot. If pre-orders are any sign, this “boring” iPhone could end up being the most important model in the lineup.