Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) shares climbed nearly 4% on Monday, closing at an all-time high of $262.24, after a report from Counterpoint Research revealed that iPhone 17 sales have surpassed iPhone 16 sales in both the United States and China.
According to Counterpoint, iPhone sales increased by 14% year-over-year in the first 10 days after launch. The standard iPhone 17 model alone saw a 33% increase in sales compared to its predecessor — signaling strong consumer interest in Apple’s latest lineup.
“The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money,” said Mengmeng Zhang, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research.
What’s Driving the iPhone 17’s Popularity?
The iPhone 17’s success appears to be rooted in its improved performance and competitive pricing. Zhang highlighted that the device includes several key upgrades without a price increase from last year’s model:
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A faster, more efficient chip
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A brighter display with better contrast
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Higher base storage
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An upgraded selfie camera
“Buying this device is a no-brainer, especially when you throw in channel discounts and coupons,” Zhang added. “Chinese consumers are rewarding Apple for offering exceptional value.”
Global Excitement for Apple’s New Lineup
Crowds formed at Apple stores around the world, including at Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta, where the company officially launched the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air on October 17, 2025.
Photos from the launch show excited buyers eager to test the new models firsthand.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $1,099 and $1,199, feature enhanced camera zoom, longer battery life, and Apple’s latest A19 processor. Meanwhile, the $999 iPhone Air offers a thinner, lighter design and is already outselling the iPhone 16 Plus, which it replaces.
Apple’s Stock Performance Reflects Growing Confidence
Apple’s stock is now up 4.8% year to date and 11.7% over the past 12 months, reflecting strong investor optimism about the iPhone 17’s commercial success and the company’s continued dominance in the premium smartphone market.
AI Delays Loom Over Apple’s Next Big Move
Despite the impressive sales numbers, analysts note that Wall Street is still waiting for Apple to deliver on its promised AI upgrades. The company previously announced an AI-enhanced version of Siri, originally scheduled for release in June 2025, but delayed it due to performance issues.
This setback comes as competitors Google (GOOG, GOOGL) and Samsung continue to expand their own AI-powered smartphone capabilities — putting pressure on Apple to catch up in the artificial intelligence race.
Final Note: A Strong Start, but Bigger Challenges Ahead
Apple’s record-breaking iPhone 17 launch has boosted both sales and investor confidence, reaffirming its dominance in the global smartphone market. However, as AI becomes an increasingly important part of mobile technology, Apple’s ability to deliver its next-generation Siri could be the key to sustaining its momentum through 2026.
