iPhone 17 launch shows strong early demand in US and China

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup has posted a stronger-than-expected start in its two largest markets, with early sales in the United States and China outpacing last year's models and supply-chain indicators signaling robust consumer demand. Analysts report the series sold about 14 percent more units in those markets during the first 10 days of availability than the iPhone 16 did in its comparable period, with the base iPhone 17 and the Pro Max emerging as standout models.

Market research firms and analysts point to the entry-level iPhone 17 as the main driver of the lift. Sales of the base model were roughly 31 percent higher across the two markets combined, and in China the model is selling at nearly twice the pace of last year's comparable device. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are about 12 percent ahead of their predecessors, and the thinner iPhone Air has shown stronger initial demand than last year's Plus model despite staggered release timing in some markets.

Analysts and supply-chain monitors attribute the surge to a mix of product and market factors. Upgrades to the A19 chip, improved displays, higher base storage and other camera and battery improvements have made the base...