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Apple’s iPhone 17 Launches Globally Amid Robust Demand for Pro Models
New York, NY – Apple’s iPhone 17 went on sale globally today, with early reports indicating strong demand, especially for the Pro and Pro Max models. Lines formed at Apple stores in major cities worldwide, including London and Beijing, signaling consumer enthusiasm for the latest iteration of the tech giant’s flagship product.
The launch comes at a crucial time for Apple, wich has faced pressure as an underperformer among the “mag 7” tech stocks and concerns over its pace in the artificial intelligence race. The company has also been working to regain market share in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, where it has recently faced increased competition from domestic rivals like Huawei and Oppo. Strong iPhone 17 sales could alleviate these concerns and provide a boost to Apple’s stock, which is currently up 1.2% in early trading Friday but has lost 3% of its value so far this year.
According to CNBC, demand is especially strong for the Pro and Pro Max models, with lines in London “notably longer” than they were for the iPhone 16. Consumers in Beijing queued up the night before to purchase the new models following robust pre-order sales in china.Bloomberg reported similarly strong demand in Hong Kong,though some consumers in China have noted on social media that the phones appear to scuff easily.
Apple CEO Tim Cook greeted customers at the New York store opening, underscoring the importance of the launch. The iPhone 17 represents Apple’s latest attempt to innovate in a competitive smartphone market and maintain its position as a leading technology company.
