[Edaily Reporter KIM JUNG YOU ] Apple’s new “iPhone 18” Pro series is off to a strong start in China.

According to Chinese IT media outlets such as ITzja, as of the 27th, weekly sales of the iPhone 18 Pro series reached approximately 1.3 million units. This is 15% higher than the sales of the previous model, the iPhone 17 Pro series, during the same period. It also amounts to about 90% of the total sales of the iPhone 17 lineup.

According to Chinese tipster “RD Observation,” first-day sales of the iPhone 18 Pro series are estimated at approximately 322,800 units. This is 130% of the first-day sales of its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro.

The iPhone 18 Pro series was unveiled at Apple’s event on the 10th, consisting of two models: the “Pro” and “Pro Max.” The starting prices in the Chinese market are 9,999 yuan (approximately 2.02 million won) and 10,999 yuan (approximately 2.22 million won), respectively—an increase of at least 1,000 yuan (approximately 200,000 won) compared to the previous generation.

While some have pointed out that the performance upgrades are limited given the price hike, demand in the Chinese market appears to remain strong. In China, where the SamsungElectronics(005930) Galaxy series holds virtually no market share, Apple’s iPhone—despite being a U.S. company—is in an unusual position, competing for the top one or two spots.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro series is equipped with the A20 Pro chipset, which is the first to utilize a 2nm manufacturing process. Both models feature the “Dynamic Island” design, which has a reduced footprint, and are equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera.