Apple’s lowest-priced iPhone 17 model outpaces sales forecasts

Local retailers report stronger interest in the 17 standard edition compared with previous years.

A ShopDunk spokesperson said that by the second day after official sales began on Sept. 19, orders for the 17 were 25% higher than last year’s iPhone 16 base model, with some variants out of stock.

Retailer Di Dong Viet also said 17 sales exceeded expectations and were behind only the Pro and Pro Max but ahead of the ultra-thin iPhone Air, contrary to earlier forecasts. Some 8% of customers chose the standard model, mostly the 256 GB purple version, it said. Buyers are mainly upgrading from older models such as the iPhone 11, 12 or 13, it said.

iPhone 17 color variants. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

"They want a device powerful enough with the new A19 chip, a larger screen, and the new design, but still at a more accessible price than the Pro models. The 17 has clearly formed its own distinct customer base."

Retailers expect the standard model’s market share to grow as supply stabilizes and new color options attract younger consumers.

The same trend is being observed globally. According to tech site The Information, Apple has asked suppliers to increase production of the entry-level iPhone 17 by at least 30% after strong pre-orders.

Reuters reported that Luxshare Precision, one of Apple’s two main iPhone assemblers in China, and Foxconn have been told to raise daily output of the standard model by 40%. Before the Sept. 9 launch the U.S. tech giant was believed to have allocated 25% of production to the iPhone 17, 10% to the iPhone Air and 65% to the Pro and Pro Max.

In recent years standard models have generally made up a smaller share of early sales, except in the case of the 11 and 13, while the Pro Max has consistently led demand.

Apple has not commented on the sales performance.

The 17 is available in Vietnam at VND25 million (US$948) for the 256 GB version and VND31.5 million for the 512 GB version.

The device keeps the design of the 16, with a 6.3-inch display and A19 chip, while adding high-end features such as a 120 Hz refresh rate, second-generation Ceramic Shield for improved scratch resistance, an 18-megapixel front camera, and a 48-megapixel rear camera.