The entry-level iPhone 17 model, despite its similar appearance to the iPhone 16, is gaining significant popularity, particularly in China. On the Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, the standard iPhone 17 with 256GB storage has topped the pre-order charts among the new iPhone releases. This surge in demand comes even as the launch of the new ultra-thin iPhone Air faces delays in China due to regulatory issues with eSIM technology.
In the U.S., however, the iPhone Air remains available for its scheduled release. The appeal of the iPhone 17 lies in its perceived value, maintaining the same price point as its predecessor at $799/5,999 yuan. It offers a larger 6.3-inch display with thinner bezels, ProMotion support for a 120Hz refresh rate, and an increased base storage of 256GB, aligning more closely with the Pro models. These enhancements make the iPhone 17 a compelling choice, despite its less flashy design.
