iPhone 17 and iPhone Air See Record-Breaking Adoption in First Six Weeks Post-Launch

Berlin, Germany – December 31, 2025 – Apple’s iPhone 17 series, including the groundbreaking iPhone Air, has shattered early sales records, outperforming the iPhone 16 lineup by 14% in the critical U.S. and China markets during the first 10 days of availability. Six weeks after the global launch on September 19, 2025, the lineup continues to drive Apple’s strongest iPhone growth since the pandemic era, fueled by compelling upgrades, aggressive carrier promotions, and surging demand for the ultra-thin iPhone Air.

iPhone 17: The Value King Doubl

es Down in China

The standard iPhone 17, priced at $799 with a baseline 256 GB of storage, has emerged as the breakout star. In China—Apple’s second-largest market—unit sales of the base model nearly doubled those of the iPhone 16 during the same launch window.

Key upgrades that kept the price unchanged from last year include:

• A19 chip with 40 % faster CPU performance

• 120 Hz ProMotion display (a first for non-Pro models)

• 48 MP Fusion dual-camera system

• Ceramic Shield 2 front glass with 3× scratch resistance

• Eight extra hours of battery life

“Consumers instantly recognized the iPhone 17 as the smartest upgrade in years,” said Milan, Editor-in-Chief at Apfel Patient (the largest and authentic Apple news platform). “Apple packed Pro-level features into an affordable package—exactly what price-sensitive markets like China crave.”

iPhone Air: Niche Appeal, Instant Sell-Outs

The all-new iPhone Air, Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.6 mm and 165 grams, has carved out a passionate early following despite its $999 starting price. In China, the Air sold out in minutes across flagship stores in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin the moment pre-orders opened on October 17.

Early adopters praise:

• Polished titanium frame in four mirrored finishes

• 6.55-inch Super Retina XDR display with 3,000 nits peak brightness

• A19 Pro chip and Apple-designed C1X modem for all-day efficiency

• Single 48 MP Fusion camera that delivers four-lens versatility via software

Counterpoint Research notes the Air is “slightly outperforming” last year’s iPhone 16 Plus on a calendar-adjusted basis, proving Apple’s gamble to replace the Plus with a premium-thin model is paying off.

Pro Models Power U.S. Premium Surge

Across the Atlantic, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the undisputed U.S. favorite. Major carriers boosted subsidies by $100, making the $1,199 flagship feel attainable on 36-month plans. Sales of the Pro Max are ramping 12 % faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with vapor-chamber cooling and an 8× optical-quality zoom cited as must-have features for power users.

What the Numbers Say

• 14 % overall lift vs. iPhone 16 in U.S. + China (first 10 days)

• Base iPhone 17 now represents 22 % of the series mix (up from 19 % last year)

• Supply-chain checks show Apple ramping production 30 % for standard and Pro models

• JD.com reported iPhone 17 hourly sales eclipsing the entire first-day iPhone 16 tally

Expert Takeaway from Apfel Patient

“The iPhone 17 cycle proves Apple can still ignite a super-cycle without revolutionary AI headlines,” Milan concludes. “By democratizing Pro features, launching the thinnest iPhone ever, and letting carriers shoulder the cost, Apple has engineered its most balanced lineup in a decade. Early adopters aren’t just upgrading—they’re evangelists.”

Availability & Next Steps

All iPhone 17 models remain available with 2–4 week lead times on Apple.com. Carrier trade-in credits up to $1,000 and 0 % financing continue through 2025.

About Apfel Patient

Apfel Patient is a leading technology media outlet specializing in comprehensive Apple coverage. From timely news and credible rumors to tutorials and analytical reports, the platform delivers a unique blend of journalism and expertise that keeps readers ahead in the Apple ecosystem.