Apple saw a sharp rise in iPhone sales in China this October. According to Counterpoint Research, iPhone sales jumped 37 percent year over year as demand for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max stayed high. One in every four smartphones sold in the country was an iPhone, which marks a level Apple last reached in 2022.
The new iPhone lineup drove more than 80 percent of Apple’s total unit sales. Counterpoint senior analyst Ivan Lam said the base iPhone 17 grew the fastest among all models. This strong start puts Apple on track for its best December quarter ever, even topping the previous peak set in October 2021. While the Huawei Mate 80 launch on November 25 adds some risk, Lam noted that Apple still holds solid momentum.
A Strong Month for China’s Smartphone Market
China’s overall smartphone sell-through increased 8 percent compared to a year earlier. Apple contributed most of this growth, but domestic brands also played a major role. Xiaomi climbed to the number two spot for the first time in over a decade, thanks to strong sales of its Xiaomi 17 series. The timing of its early launch helped it benefit from the Mid-Autumn Festival sales period.
At the same time, OPPO delivered steady gains with its Find X9 series, which attracted buyers with strong camera performance and long battery life. Its Reno 14 lineup also connected well with younger users. These moves show how Chinese manufacturers are pushing forward even as Apple leads the premium segment.
Apple Heads Into November With Strong Momentum
All signs point to continued strength for Apple in November. Counterpoint Research said the iPhone 17 series still drives most of the market excitement. Apple already reached a rare milestone by taking one-quarter of the market in October, which shows how deeply the new models connect with Chinese buyers.
Although competition will rise as more premium phones enter the market, Apple starts the December quarter in a strong position. The company benefits from a high share of new-model sales, rising average prices, and steady demand across all three iPhone 17 variants.
