A revamp in the iPhone 17 lineup has turned around Apple’s fortune, particularly in China, where the competition is fighting tooth and nail to retain every percentage point of market share. Fortunately, the Cupertino firm delivered an exceptional value proposition to consumers who do not want to spend flagship-level funds by giving them the iPhone 17, which is outselling competitors like the Xiaomi 17. According to an analyst, there is more bad news lurking around the corner for Chinese phone makers as Apple is preparing another model.
Xiaomi and other local brands have a fight on their hands, as Apple is scheduled to announce the iPhone 17e in H1 2026 to boost its market share
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states on X that the total shipment volume of the Xiaomi 17 has reduced by 20 percent, with the original initial target being 10 million units. Assuming there are no aggressive pricing strategies or marketing campaigns launched to bolster the lineup’s popularity, the aforementioned figure is estimated to drop to 8 million units. As for why there has been a shipment reduction, Kuo notes that the base iPhone 17’s popularity in China has outshone its competitors.
The standard version is selling better than the Xiaomi 17, which is hardly surprising, given that Apple introduced three stellar upgrades this year, one of which ended up being its greatest strength. You get double the starting storage at 256GB instead of 128GB, coupled with the 3nm A19 chipset and the LTPO OLED panel, making it a huge step-up over the 60Hz displays that Apple has continued to employ on its non-Pro models.
With the screen upgrade, which the company calls ProMotion technology, iPhone 17’s refresh rate can operate in the 1Hz to 120Hz range, conserving battery life when required and offering that buttery-smooth scrolling experience when needed. We have discussed in-depth why this display upgrade is a significant deal, and what is even more impressive is that Apple has successfully incorporated all of these additions while maintaining that $799 price, making it unchanged from the iPhone 16 but offering considerable value in return.
However, the California-based giant is not taking a breather because Kuo states that in the first half of 2026, the iPhone 17e will be added to the family, with Apple targeting a lower price bracket for consumers who cannot fork over $799 for the iPhone 17. Examining this scenario, it appears that Apple’s struggles in China might be over, with demand for even Huawei’s high-end smartphones also witnessing a slump due to these devices running HarmonyOS.
News Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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