Apple's latest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have made a significant splash in the Chinese market, achieving impressive sales figures within their first week of availability. Retailers reported that pre-orders for the new models soared, with estimates indicating that around 7 million units were pre-ordered prior to the official launch.
Record Pre-Order Figures
During the pre-order phase, many retailers faced shortages, reflecting the high demand for these new devices. Some stores experienced revenue that doubled compared to the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max last year. This strong interest in the iPhone 18 Pro series has translated into remarkable sales figures.
Sales Performance in the First Week
According to insights from blogger RD Observation, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max sold approximately 1.3 million units in their first week in China. This figure represents a 15% increase over the sales of the iPhone 17 series during the same period last year. Notably, this year's models had the advantage of not competing with additional vanilla or Air versions, which could have split consumer interest.
Impressive Market Share
Interestingly, the sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max accounted for about 90% of the total sales of the entire iPhone 2025 lineup in China during its first week. This suggests that the absence of other new models has not hindered Apple's performance. Customers looking to purchase a new iPhone currently have to choose from the Pro lineup, which could indicate a shift in consumer preference.
Price Adjustments and Market Reactions
Despite raising the prices of the new models, Apple seems to have implemented these changes strategically. The pricing for the 256GB and 512GB versions increased by CNY 1,000 (approximately $150), while the price hikes for the more expensive 1TB and 2TB models were even steeper, rising by CNY 2,500 and CNY 3,500, respectively. This pricing strategy comes even as Apple continues to use slower QLC chips in these models.
International Pricing Variations
While the iPhone 18 Pro series is performing well in China, its reception in other markets may not be as robust. Data from BigGo indicates an 11% price increase for the 256GB model in China. In contrast, the U.S. saw a more modest $100 increase, approximately 9%. However, in Japan, the price surged by JPY 40,000, amounting to a striking 22% increase compared to previous models. Prior to the 18 Pro's release, the iPhone 17 Pro price had already been adjusted upward, making the new model significantly more expensive even relative to the revised pricing of its predecessor.
Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_18_pro_and_pro_max_sold_13_million_units_in_china_during_the_first_week_beating_the_17_pros-news-74799.php
