China is doing much of the heavy lifting for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro launch, with a 29% sales increase helping offset declines in the U.S. and Japan, according to Counterpoint Research.
Combined global sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max rose 3.1% during their first three weeks of availability compared with the equivalent launch period last year. U.S. sales fell 4%, while Japan recorded a 27% decline.
Counterpoint attributed China's growth to better initial supply and higher prices for competing Android flagships. In the U.S., the firm said buyers perceived insufficient changes to features and design, despite additions such as the variable aperture camera.
Apple raised starting prices by $100 in the U.S., bringing the Pro to $1,199 and the Pro Max to $1,299. Counterpoint pointed out that exchange rates compounded price increases in Japan.
The Pro Max model's share of sales slipped from 57% to 56%, with growth in India and Southeast Asia favoring the smaller model.
The tracking period predates the iPhone Duo's launch on October 23. Counterpoint is watching whether Apple's first foldable iPhone brings in additional buyers or diverts purchases from the Pro Max.
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