BEIJING, China: Apple's iPhone 17 series has gotten off to a stronger start than its predecessor, with early sales in China and the United States up 14 percent compared to last year's iPhone 16 models, according to market research firm Counterpoint.

The report said sales in the first 10 days of availability showed robust demand for the new lineup, with the base model iPhone 17 nearly doubling its sales in China versus the iPhone 16 over the same launch period. Across both markets, sales of the base model rose 31 percent.

"The base model iPhone 17 is very compelling to consumers, offering great value for money," said Mengmeng Zhang, senior analyst at Counterpoint. "A better chip, improved display, higher base storage, selfie camera upgrade, all for the same price as last year's iPhone 16."

Apple launched the iPhone 17 series globally in September, with initial shipments beginning in significant markets, including China.