BEIJING (Reuters) -Sales of iPhones in China rose 22% from year-earlier levels in the first month after the iPhone 17 series launched, even as the broader market softened, a private survey showed on Friday.

The new lineup drove most of Apple's ( AAPL ) smartphone sales in China in the period from the September 19 launch, with the 17 series accounting for nearly four-fifths of units sold to consumers, according to the data from research firm Counterpoint.

Sales of iPhones in China were down 5% during the first month after the iPhone 16 line launched in September 2024.

The iPhone 17 launch drew hundreds of people to Apple's ( AAPL ) Beijing flagship on release day - a sign of continued enthusiasm for the brand, despite intensifying competition from Xiaomi ( XIACF ) and Huawei.

China's smartphone market remained weak amid subdued consumer demand, with third-quarter sales down 2.7% year on year, Counterpoint said.