The launch of iPhone 17 sales in China is boosted by the lucky choice of orange color

Apple reports record iPhone sales in China

The company announced that in the second quarter of 2025 (the fourth quarter of its fiscal year) new heights were reached in the Chinese market: total revenue from iPhone sales amounted to $26 billion, which is 38 % higher than the same period last year.

What became the key factor of success?

* The iPhone 17 “Hermès orange” – a new orange shade officially named *cosmic orange* – was released in China in the fall of 2024 and immediately won popularity among consumers.

* Consumers actively share photos of their devices on social media, emphasizing “status” and success thanks to the bright color.

Why does orange attract attention?

In Chinese, the word *cheng* (orange) sounds like *chéng*, which means “to achieve success.” This creates an association with personal achievement: owning such an iPhone signals that the owner has accomplished something significant. Social media posts often include captions such as “Wishing everyone success!” accompanying photos of new phones.

> “Simple design changes, especially the bright orange color, attracted buyers who wanted to upgrade their smartphones,” notes Nabila Popal, head of IDC research.

Results

* iPhone revenue in China: $26 billion (fourth quarter 2025).

* Growth compared to last year: 38 %.

Thus, the bright “Hermès orange” became the key driver of Apple’s record sales in the Chinese market.