Apple has staged a major turnaround in China’s smartphone market. After years of slipping sales and rising pressure from local competitors, the company saw demand for the iPhone 17 lineup jump sharply in October 2025. According to new data from Counterpoint Research, one in four smartphones sold in China that month was an iPhone.
This marks a clear reversal from earlier years when Apple struggled to maintain its position. Demand across China had been falling for several years, and Apple felt that drop more than most. However, the iPhone 17 models have sparked renewed interest and boosted Apple’s standing.
iPhone 17 Models Drive Double-Digit Growth
Counterpoint reports that Apple’s iPhone sales rose 37% year-over-year in October. All three iPhone 17 models posted strong mid-to-high double-digit increases. The base iPhone 17 was the most popular, showing China’s strong appetite for the new lineup.
Notably, the data excludes the iPhone Air, which launched later in the month and therefore had no valid year-to-year comparison. Even without that model, the iPhone 17 range accounted for more than 80% of Apple’s total sales in the region.
Momentum Expected to Continue
Counterpoint says the sales surge is not slowing down. Analysts expect high demand to continue through November and possibly hit record-breaking levels in December. Early signs point in that direction: the delayed iPhone Air sold out within minutes when pre-orders opened, and September’s pre-order numbers for the iPhone 17 lineup were also record-setting.
Chinese Competitors Also See Gains
While Apple’s rebound is notable, it is not the only brand growing. Chinese manufacturers also contributed to an improved market outlook. Oppo, for example, recorded a 19% year-over-year increase in sales. As a result, China’s overall smartphone market grew 8% during the same period.
