Apple’s iPhone 17 series is generating unprecedented demand in China! JD.com, one of China’s largest online retailers, has recorded over 5 million reservations for the new iPhone models, with the series reportedly three times more popular than the iPhone 16 series.
Table of Contents
iPhone 17 China: Massive Pre-Launch Interest
The reservation numbers from JD.com alone indicate massive consumer interest ahead of the official pre-order launch on September 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM China time.
Reservation Timeline Overview
| Date/Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Through Sept 12, 7:30 PM | Reservation Period | Over 5 million registered on JD.com |
| Sept 12, 8:00 PM China | Pre-orders Begin | Official sales start |
| Sept 19, 2025 | Public Availability | Worldwide launch date |
| Pricing Starts | 5,999 Yuan ($841) | Base model in China |
Record-Breaking Demand Signals
According to prominent leaker UniverseIce, the iPhone 17 series “has already reached three times” the reservation volume compared to the iPhone 16 series. This indicates exceptionally strong consumer appetite for Apple’s latest flagship lineup.
iPhone Air eSIM Challenge
Interestingly, the new iPhone Air’s ultra-slim design makes it eSIM-only, marking China’s transition away from physical SIM cards for this model. While this could potentially limit availability due to carrier support concerns, the strong reservation numbers suggest consumers are embracing the change.
Key iPhone 17 Features Driving Demand
Enhanced Camera System:
- New Center Stage front camera and 48MP Fusion Main camera with 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera
- Significant photography improvements over previous generation
Design Innovation:
- iPhone Air introduces ultra-thin profile
- Mainline series retains physical SIM slots in most regions
- Premium build quality across all models
Market Competition Context
The strong reservation numbers come as Apple faces intense competition in China from domestic brands like Huawei. However, these impressive reservation figures suggest that Huawei and other local brands are about to find themselves in quite a battle for market share.
Global Production Plans
Apple reportedly aims to produce around 100 million iPhone 17 units in 2025, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max expected to make up the majority of this production volume, indicating confidence in global demand matching China’s enthusiasm.
The 5 million reservations from just one Chinese retailer demonstrate Apple’s continued strong brand appeal in one of its most competitive markets.
FAQs
When do iPhone 17 pre-orders officially start in China?
Pre-orders begin on September 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM China time, with public availability on September 19.
What’s the starting price for iPhone 17 in China?
The iPhone 17 series starts at 5,999 yuan (approximately $841) for the base model.
