iPhone Air Sells Out Across Chinese Market
Apple’s iPhone Air has reportedly sold out across all online stores in China just hours after pre-orders officially began, according to sources familiar with the matter. The swift sell-out occurred despite the device’s compressed thickness requiring some design compromises, indicating that slim form factor smartphones continue to resonate with Chinese consumers when bearing the Apple brand.
The South China Morning Post reported that the iPhone Air inventory depleted almost instantly following its Friday launch in China. This remarkable achievement came shortly after Apple CEO Tim Cook’s visit to the country, where he promoted the product in the world’s largest smartphone market while navigating ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States.
Regulatory Approval Preceded Sales Surge
Analysts suggest the delayed Chinese launch played a significant role in creating pent-up demand. Pre-sales for the iPhone Air featuring eSIM technology could not commence until this specific version received regulatory approval to launch in China. After receiving the green light more than a month following the model’s global release, customers reportedly flocked to brick-and-mortar stores in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin to secure the device.
According to the report, online shipments have now been delayed by one to two weeks as Apple attempts to expedite production to capitalize on the initial momentum. The company aims to leverage this success to chip away at market share held by local competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei, particularly as industry developments continue to shape the competitive landscape.
iPhone 17 Series Also Shows Strong Performance
Sources indicate that Apple’s other iPhone 17 models already available in China are also demonstrating solid market momentum. The base model featuring a ProMotion display reportedly generated such overwhelming traffic that it caused Apple’s official Chinese website to crash during pre-order periods.
During iPhone 17 pre-orders in China, one online retailer recorded approximately 5 million reservations, with JD.com, the region’s largest online retailer, securing 3.7 million reservations alone. This represents a significant turnaround from earlier this year when Apple had to introduce substantial discounts to its iPhone 16 series to generate sales traction, reflecting positive market trends for the tech giant.
Samsung’s Contrasting Market Challenges
While Apple celebrates its successful launch, Samsung faces markedly different circumstances in the same market. Reports suggest the company has canceled its Galaxy S26 Edge due to lackluster Galaxy S25 Edge sales performance. Industry analysts propose this development essentially confirms that Samsung’s brand image continues to trail Apple’s in the critical Chinese market.
The contrasting trajectories of these two tech giants highlight the increasingly competitive nature of the global smartphone industry. As related innovations continue to emerge and consumer preferences evolve, manufacturers must carefully navigate product development and marketing strategies.
Market Outlook and Future Competition
Despite the phenomenal start for the iPhone Air, industry observers caution that sustained demand remains uncertain. The report states that market watchers will be closely monitoring whether this initial surge maintains consistency over the coming months or gradually tapers off as Huawei prepares its Mate 80 launch scheduled for next month.
According to the analysis published by the South China Morning Post, Apple’s current success in China reflects both effective marketing strategy and persistent brand strength. However, as recent technology advancements accelerate and market trends shift, the competitive dynamics in the Chinese smartphone market continue to evolve rapidly, presenting both opportunities and challenges for all players in the industry.
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