A new market intelligence report says that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are selling well in China, making Apple the best-selling brand in the country during the launch week.

Counterpoint Research has said there are three reasons for the popularity of Apple’s latest iPhone …

Rising costs have seen overall sales of new smartphones in China decline 17% year on year since July, according to Counterpoint Research’s China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker. However, the firm reports that this trend was reversed by the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro.

During the first three days of its sales (which accounted for only three days in Week 38), the iPhone 18 Pro series recorded 12% YoY growth compared with the iPhone sales. The strong initial performance helped Apple move into the No. 1 spot in sales in Week 38, with a 33% share of China’s smartphone market.

Counterpoint suggests there are three reasons underlying the popularity of the new model.

First, the delayed launch of the base iPhone 18. Because Apple has launched the two iPhone 18 Pro models well ahead of the standard model, some may have decided to upgrade to the premium version rather than wait.

Second, rising prices across all premium smartphones have led to consumers being willing to pay higher prices than would previously have been the case. Apple has absorbed some of the increased component costs, making the iPhone 18 Pro comparatively better value.

Third is what Counterpoint describes as “aggressive channel support,” generally meaning heavy advertising and promotions by retailers and carriers.

• Dark Cherry charger & color-matched cable for iPhone 18 Pro
• Beats Woven USB-C cables
• iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cases
• Certified refurbished Apple products 15% off at apple.com
• Discounted AirPods Pro 3
• Wireless CarPlay adapter
• 10-year AirTag battery case
• Logitech MX Master 4 for Mac

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