Apple iPhone 17 Sales Surge in China, Outpacing Xiaomi 17 and Creating Challenges for Competitors

The recent overhaul of the iPhone 17 series has significantly impacted Apple’s performance, especially in the competitive Chinese market, where local manufacturers are fiercely combating to maintain their market share. In a strategic move, Apple has positioned the iPhone 17 as an appealing alternative for consumers unwilling to invest in flagship models, resulting in its outselling competitors, including the Xiaomi 17. Analysts suggest that further challenges lie ahead for Chinese manufacturers, as Apple prepares to introduce an additional model soon.

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Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst from TF International Securities, revealed on X that shipments of the Xiaomi 17 have dropped by 20%, with initial projections of 10 million units now expected to decline to about 8 million. This downturn in shipments can largely be attributed to the overwhelming popularity of the base iPhone 17 in China, overshadowing its rivals.

Interestingly, the iPhone 17 is performing better than the Xiaomi 17, which is expected given Apple’s introduction of three impressive upgrades this year. A key highlight is its enhanced storage options: users now start with 256GB instead of just 128GB. Moreover, the inclusion of the advanced 3nm A19 chipset and an LTPO OLED display represents a substantial leap forward over the 60Hz panels found in Apple’s non-Pro models.

小米新款Xiaomi 17系列更新與相關分析：出貨下修、挑戰與重返成長的機會1.出貨下修：我最新的產業調查顯示，Xiaomi 17系列總出貨量顯著下修20% (原先目標約1, 000萬部)，若後續無更積極的價格策略或行銷活動，17系列總出貨量可能會低於15系列的約800萬部。2.…

— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) September 29, 2025

Another innovation lies in the screen capabilities of the iPhone 17, equipped with ProMotion technology. This feature allows the display to adjust its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, optimizing battery life and delivering a smooth scrolling experience. This upgrade has been extensively analyzed, and it stands out that Apple has managed to integrate these enhancements without altering the price point, retaining it at $799, which offers substantial value compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16.

Looking ahead, Apple shows no signs of slowing down. According to Kuo, the impending release of the iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026 aims to cater to budget-conscious consumers unable to spend $799 on the standard iPhone 17. This strategic move could signify a turning point for Apple in China, especially as demand for high-end devices from competitors like Huawei has diminished, partly due to the limitations of devices operating on HarmonyOS.

For further insights, visit the original post by Ming-Chi Kuo.

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