iPhone 17 Pre-Orders in China Smash Records

Apple's latest iPhone 17 series has kicked off with record-breaking pre-orders in China, even as the launch of the iPhone Air faces delays. According to JD.com, one of China’s top e-commerce platforms, sales in the first minute exceeded the first-day pre-orders of last year’s iPhone 16 series.

JD.com Sees Massive Popularity

The 256GB iPhone 17 emerged as the most sought-after variant on JD.com. The online retailer reported that the initial demand for this model surpassed the pre-orders recorded for iPhone 16 during its first day, reflecting Apple’s strong market pull in China.

Website Glitches Due to High Traffic

The unprecedented demand caused intermittent issues on Apple’s official website. Customers reported delays when accessing the pre-order page. One user mentioned that it took five minutes to complete the payment process, and all time slots for picking up the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Shanghai were booked within 20 minutes.

Delays in Guangzhou

As of Saturday morning, anyone looking to buy any model of the iPhone 17 series in Guangzhou had to wait until October 15 for delivery, highlighting the overwhelming demand for the latest iPhones.

Apple’s Brand Loyalty Shines

The strong sales underline Apple’s brand loyalty in China and the popularity of the iPhone 17 series, despite stiff competition from local brands like Huawei and Xiaomi in the premium smartphone segment.

iPhone Air Launch Delayed

The iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest model yet, has been delayed as the company works with Chinese authorities to address regulatory concerns regarding the embedded SIM technology. Apple is collaborating with local officials to resolve these issues promptly.

Overall, the iPhone 17 pre-orders in China reflect Apple’s strong demand in the region and the competitive landscape with domestic smartphone brands.