On September 18, the Chinese version of the iPhone 18 Pro series was officially released, with its entry-level model priced at 9,999 yuan. During its initial launch at the Huaqiangbei market—a well-known electronics hub in China—the resale prices for the new iPhone models were surprisingly modest. The Pro Max model, for instance, only fetched a premium of slightly over 300 yuan above its original price. Some Pro models even struggled to find buyers, with some being resold at the original price, reflecting a lackluster market response and subdued enthusiasm among consumers.

According to industry analysts, iPhone sales in the Chinese market predominantly rely on existing users upgrading to newer models. The core potential user base for the iPhone 18 Pro series consists mainly of individuals currently using the iPhone 14 to iPhone 16 series. However, several factors have contributed to a dampened upgrade appetite. Firstly, the anticipated launch of the foldable iPhone Duo has created a sense of anticipation among consumers, leading some to delay their purchase decisions. Secondly, the continued competitiveness of the iPhone 17 Pro, which still offers robust performance and features, has made it a viable alternative for many users. Lastly, the fact that the enhanced Siri functionality has not yet been rolled out in the Chinese market has also played a role in curbing enthusiasm for the latest iPhone models. As a result, it is anticipated that the sales trajectory of the iPhone 18 Pro series in China will exhibit a relatively flat trend.