Apple iPhone 17 goes on sale globally as questions remain over China market and AI strategy

Core Insights - The launch of the iPhone 17 series has generated significant consumer interest, particularly in China, where customers waited for hours to purchase the new models [2][6] - Apple faces increasing competition in the Chinese smartphone market, holding only 10% market share, trailing behind local brands like Huawei and Xiaomi [5] - Initial preorder data indicates strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, surpassing last year's iPhone 16 series in the first minute of sales on JD.com [6][9] Market Performance - The iPhone 17 Pro Max and other models have been well-received, with customers expressing excitement over new features such as improved heat dissipation and larger internal storage [3][4] - In Singapore, the redesigned iPhone 17 series also attracted long lines, with customers citing fresh designs and improved battery life as key selling points [7][8] - The base model of the iPhone 17 has exceeded expectations, maintaining its launch price while offering upgrades in memory storage [10] Competitive Landscape - Apple has lost market share in China to competitors, but there is potential for recovery as many consumers are expected to purchase their first iPhone this year due to new features [4][5] - Analysts suggest that a successful iPhone 17 launch could help restore investor confidence amid concerns regarding Apple's artificial intelligence initiatives [11][12] - The company is under pressure to deliver on its AI promises, which have been delayed, but the current product launches may provide a buffer during this period [12]