Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are seeing strong demand in China, helping offset weaker sales in the United States and Japan. According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, combined global sales increased 3.1% during the first three weeks after launch compared with the iPhone 17 Pro series last year.
China led the growth with a 29% year-over-year increase, while sales declined 4% in the United States and 27% in Japan. The figures suggest Apple’s latest premium iPhones are performing differently across major markets, with China contributing most of the worldwide growth.
China Drives iPhone 18 Pro Sales Growth
Counterpoint attributes China’s strong performance to better product availability during the launch period and rising prices of competing flagship Android smartphones.
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Chinese manufacturers have increased prices on several premium models, making Apple’s latest iPhones more competitive. Meanwhile, improved inventory helped Apple meet early demand more effectively than during the iPhone 17 Pro launch.
The situation looks different in the United States, where consumers have shown less interest in upgrading because of limited perceived improvements in design and features.
Apple also increased iPhone 18 Pro pricing, with the Pro starting at $1,199 and the Pro Max at $1,299. In Japan, unfavorable exchange rates have made the higher prices even more difficult for buyers.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Loses Some Sales Share
The report also shows a small shift in customer preferences. The iPhone 18 Pro Max accounted for 56% of combined Pro-series sales, down from 57% last year.
Growth in India and Southeast Asia favored the smaller iPhone 18 Pro, suggesting that more customers are choosing the relatively affordable model.
Looking ahead, analysts are watching whether China’s initial demand remains strong and how the iPhone Duo’s October 23 launch affects Pro Max sales.
The three-week tracking period ended before Apple’s first foldable iPhone reached stores, leaving its potential impact on the premium lineup for future reports.
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