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Apple's iPhone 17 series, launched in September 2025, has indeed kicked off with impressive momentum, dubbed "Sweet Seventeen" by some analysts for its unexpectedly robust performance in key markets.
According to fresh data from Counterpoint Research, the lineup outsold the iPhone 16 series by 14% in both the US and China during their respective first 10 days on shelves—a notable rebound after the iPhone 16 faced softer demand in China amid economic headwinds and competition from local brands like Huawei.
This surge pushed Apple's stock (AAPL) to a record high on October 20, 2025, closing up about 4% and inching the company closer to a $4 trillion market cap. Wall Street reacted bullishly, with Loop Capital upgrading Apple to "buy" from "hold" and hiking its price target to $315 per share, citing potential for sustained outperformance through 2027.
Key Sales Drivers
The base iPhone 17 model has been the star of the show, with sell-through rates jumping nearly 33% year-over-year in the combined US and China markets—nearly doubling in China alone compared to the iPhone 16. In contrast, the Pro and Pro Max variants saw more modest gains of around 10%, appealing more to US buyers seeking premium features. Here's a quick breakdown of the early sales trends based on Counterpoint's data:
What's Fueling the Buzz?
China's Comeback: Last year's iPhone 16 struggled in China (Apple's second-largest market, accounting for 20% of global sales) due to Huawei's resurgence and economic slowdown. The iPhone 17 counters this with localized features like improved WeChat integration and a lower entry price point ($799 for the base model), drawing budget-conscious buyers.
US Loyalty: American consumers, who make up ~45% of iPhone revenue, flocked to the Pro Max for its rumored under-display Face ID and longer battery life, per early retailer reports.
Broader Features: The series introduces "Sweet 17" nicknames from fans for its 17th-gen refinements, including a slimmer design, advanced Apple Intelligence AI (e.g., real-time translation and photo editing), and better sustainability creds with 100% recycled rare earths. Pre-orders were up 20% globally, with supply chain partners in Asia (like Foxconn) seeing stock rallies on the news.