iPhone 17 Frenzy in China: Price No Barrier for Fans
Apple has once again set the tech world abuzz with the launch of the iPhone 17, and the biggest wave of excitement is sweeping across China. Since pre-orders opened, Apple stores have seen overwhelming crowds, with a viral video of long queues outside a Chinese store fueling the frenzy.
Record-Breaking Pre-Orders
According to Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, iPhone 17 pre-orders surpassed the first-day numbers of the iPhone 16 within just one minute of opening on Friday night (September 12). The most popular choice among buyers has been the standard iPhone 17 with 256GB of storage.
Interestingly, the figures exclude the iPhone 17 Air, which has been delayed due to eSIM-related complications.
Tech Enthusiasts Overjoyed
The launch excitement was so intense that Apple’s official website briefly slowed down as thousands of customers tried to order simultaneously. Chinese outlet The Paper reported the traffic surge, while similar scenes of long queues were also seen outside Apple stores in Beijing, Bangkok, and Tokyo—highlighting global demand for the new model.
Why It’s So Popular
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that iPhone 17’s opening weekend pre-orders have already outpaced those of the iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, priced at $1,199, is proving to be the top seller thanks to its advanced features.
Much of this success is credited to the integration of iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence, offering tools like real-time translation and advanced AI features. Endorsements from influential figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have also boosted interest, particularly in the iPhone Air model.
Though reports suggest slight discounts on iPhone 17 prices in China, the massive crowds outside Apple stores show that loyalty to the brand and the desire for cutting-edge tech far outweigh cost concerns.
