Preorders for Apple Inc's new iPhone 17 series began in Taiwan today through the nation's three major telecom providers, ahead of the official launch on Friday next week.
Chunghwa Telecom Co (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile Co (台灣大哥大) and Far EasTone Telecommunications Co (遠傳電信) said upgrades in specifications are expected to boost initial sales by 20 to 30 percent compared with the previous generation.
Photo from apple.com
Yesterday, Apple unveiled four new models: the entry-level iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone Air and two flagship models: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images via AFP
The devices feature new color options and would run on the latest A19 or A19 Pro chips.
In Taiwan, the iPhone 17 is to start at NT$29,900, the iPhone Air at NT$36,900, the iPhone 17 Pro at NT$39,900 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at NT$44,900.
Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez, AP
Taiwan Mobile opened preorders this morning, while Chunghwa Telecom opened preorders in the afternoon.
Photo: John G. Mabanglo, EPA
Far EasTone is to begin presales on Friday, the same day when Apple's global presales are to start, while also running a promotion that gives consumers a chance to win an iPhone Air.
Taiwan Mobile executive Tony Lin (林東閔) said that despite concerns over US tariffs, some of the new models are priced the same as or lower than their predecessors.
He added that use of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's (TSMC, 台積電) 3-nanometer process for the A19 Pro chip should further boost demand.
Far EasTone vice president Brian Chao (趙憶南) said the iPhone Air and upgraded Pro models are expected to drive strong replacement demand, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max likely to become the most popular choice.
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