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| The iPhone 17 series has seen tremendous success in China. |
If you’ve been following the smartphone buzz since last fall, you likely saw this coming. The consensus among reviewers and consumers was clear: Apple nailed the iPhone 17 series. From the substantially upgraded base model to the sleekly redesigned iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the lineup was hailed as a winner. Now, months after its September 2025 launch, the sales numbers are in—and they tell a story of staggering market dominance, particularly in the critical Chinese market.
According to recent sales data shared by noted industry insider Ice Universe on X, the iPhone 17 series has achieved a monumental sales figure in China. From its launch through the second week of January 2026, Apple has reportedly sold a staggering 17.27 million units of the iPhone 17 family.
The detailed breakdown, shared by Ice Universe, can be seen here.
To put that number into perspective, let’s look at the competition. The Xiaomi 17 series, which includes the impressive 17 Ultra and sits as the second-best-selling flagship lineup in China during this period, managed sales of approximately 3.08 million units. Further down the list, the Huawei Mate 80 series recorded 2.06 million sales, followed by the Vivo X300 phones at 1.16 million, and the Oppo Find X9 series at 0.91 million.
Doing the quick math reveals an astounding reality: Apple has apparently sold more iPhone 17 units in China than all these major Chinese flagship series combined. This isn't just a win; it's a market takeover, underscoring the series' broad appeal from the value-packed base model to the high-end Pro variants.
A Global Phenomenon
While these figures are impressive on their own, it's crucial to remember they represent only one market. The iPhone 17's success is a global story. Industry analysts predicted back in December 2025 that Apple was on track to sell a record 247.4 million iPhones throughout the calendar year, largely fueled by the 17 series' strength.
Samsung also had a strong 2025, moving over 241 million Galaxy devices, but it wasn't enough to reclaim the annual crown from Apple. This suggests the iPhone 17's appeal—with its rumored camera advancements, enhanced battery life, and the refined design of the Pro models—resonated worldwide.
What’s Driving the Demand?
Several factors seem to be at play. The base iPhone 17 received more meaningful upgrades than typical "S-year" models, making it a compelling choice for a wider audience and arguably the "best value" flagship on the market. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max introduced a fresh design language and exclusive features that drew in Apple's loyal high-end users and tech enthusiasts.
This combination created a perfect storm, appealing to both upgrade-seeking existing users and new customers entering the ecosystem.
The Road Ahead: Can Samsung Respond?
All eyes now turn to Samsung and the imminent launch of the Galaxy S26 series. The challenge for the Korean giant is steep. Early rumors and leaks suggest the S26 may be more of an evolutionary upgrade over the S25, focusing on refinements rather than groundbreaking changes.
Given the overwhelming positive reception and sales momentum of the iPhone 17 series, it wouldn't be surprising to see a comparatively weaker initial response to the Galaxy S26. The upcoming launch will be the first real test of whether Apple can maintain this incredible sales momentum throughout 2026.
Looking for a great deal on a current flagship? While waiting for the next big launch, you can find excellent value on recently released models:
Check prices for the Galaxy S25 on Amazon
Explore renewed iPhone 17 deals on Amazon
Note: This article is based on reported sales data from industry analysts. Official sales figures are typically released by Apple during quarterly earnings reports.
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| Apple iPhone 17 series sales vs Xiaomi 17 Oppo and more in China. |