Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Models Drive Record Sales in China Amid Mixed Reception for iPhone Air
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has achieved unprecedented success in the Chinese market, with the Pro models leading the charge. However, the iPhone Air, despite its innovative design, has experienced a more subdued reception.
Surge in iPhone 17 Pro Sales
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max have captivated Chinese consumers, resulting in record-breaking preorders. Within the first minute of availability, sales on major retailer JD.com surpassed the entire first-day preorder volume of the previous iPhone 16 series. The 256GB iPhone 17 emerged as the most sought-after configuration. This overwhelming demand led to rapid sell-outs and extended shipping times, with in-store pickup slots in cities like Shanghai being fully booked within 20 minutes. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/09/13/apple-breaks-records-in-china-with-high-iphone-17-preorders?utm_source=openai))
iPhone Air’s Mixed Reception
In contrast, the iPhone Air’s performance has been less stellar. Despite initial excitement and a design that emphasizes ultra-thin aesthetics, the device has faced challenges in gaining significant market traction. Supply chain analyses indicate that the iPhone Air accounted for a small single-digit percentage of shipments in China during Q4 2025. Analysts attribute this to its late launch and the trade-offs made between thinness and feature set, resulting in a slower market uptake. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/20/iphone-17-china-demand-may-not-be-boosted-much-by-iphone-air?utm_source=openai))
Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences
The Chinese smartphone market has shown signs of recovery, with overall shipments increasing by 8% year-over-year in October 2025. Apple’s iPhone sales in the region rose by 37% during the same period, with the iPhone 17 models contributing significantly to this growth. Notably, the base iPhone 17 model emerged as the most popular, accounting for over 80% of Apple’s total iPhone sales in China. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/11/18/one-in-four-smartphones-sold-in-china-is-an-iphone?utm_source=openai))
Consumer surveys further highlight the preference for Pro models. Approximately 71% of respondents expressed interest in purchasing a new iPhone in 2025, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max leading at 33%, followed by the iPhone 17 Pro at 22%. The standard iPhone 17 garnered 20% interest. Interestingly, the iPhone Air did not feature prominently in these preferences, securing only a 2% share among consumers. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/01/iphone-17-pro-demand-surges-far-past-iphone-16-pro-launch-orders?utm_source=openai))
Supply Chain Adjustments
In response to these market dynamics, Apple has reportedly adjusted its production orders. The company increased overall production from 88 million to 94 million units, with specific increases for the iPhone 17 and Pro models. Conversely, production for the iPhone Air was reduced by 1 million units, reflecting its lower-than-expected demand. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/17/the-time-has-come—the-first-questionable-report-about-iphone-production-changes-has-arrived?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
Apple’s iPhone 17 series has significantly bolstered the company’s position in the Chinese market, with the Pro models driving substantial sales growth. While the iPhone Air introduced a novel design approach, its market impact has been limited. These developments underscore the importance of aligning product offerings with consumer preferences and market demands.
