Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has posted strong early performance, supporting its stock’s push to a record high. According to research from Counterpoint Research, sales of the iPhone 17 in its first ten days were about 14 % higher than the iPhone 16 series in the U.S. and China combined. In China alone, the base iPhone 17 nearly doubled units sold compared with the previous model.
The stronger-than-expected demand comes as Apple expands in its two largest markets and leans on upgraded features including a new chip, improved display, greater base storage and a higher-quality front-camera – all at the same starting price as last year’s model.
Why the Momentum Matters
The jump in iPhone 17 sales is significant for several reasons. First, it provides evidence that consumer demand remains healthy despite broader macro pressures around inflation and slow growth. Second, the strength in China – where Apple has faced competitive headwinds – is a positive sign for its international growth trajectory.
More broadly, the sales gain fuels investor optimism that Apple’s product-cycle strategy is re-firing. Premium device upgrades tend to drive higher average selling prices and recurring service-revenues, both key components of Apple’s revenue mix. Markets responded accordingly – shares moved higher on the day the data hit, reflecting renewed confidence in the company’s near-term growth path.
Implications, Risks & What to Watch
While the strong opening is encouraging, the road ahead carries some caveats. Sustaining this momentum will require broad upgrade cycles among existing users and continued global demand expansion. Seasonal back-to-school and holiday quarters will test whether the early burst is repeatable.
Supply chain constraints, currency fluctuations and regional regulatory risks, especially in China, could present headwinds. On the valuation side, Apple’s stock now trades at historically high levels, meaning any slowdown in sales could trigger sharper corrections.
Investors will keep a close eye on upcoming earnings results – especially how iPhone 17 contributes to hardware revenue growth and the impact on services growth. Also worth watching are carrier subsidy trends in the U.S. and rollout dynamics in emerging markets.
As previously covered, strong product launches can help sustain big-tech growth, but execution and global diversification remain critical. Apple’s current momentum suggests the device cycle may be back in force – though vigilance remains warranted.
