Apple events have a way of making the world stop and stare. On September 9, 2025, the tech giant is ready with its “Awe-Dropping” iPhone 17 launch, and let’s be honest—whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or a curious Android loyalist, you’ve probably already marked the date. But here’s the real question: how many iPhone 17 units will Apple sell in its first week?
Looking Back to Predict the Future
History often repeats itself—especially with iPhone sales. For context, the iPhone 15 series sold an estimated 6 million units in its launch week, while the iPhone 16 pushed closer to 6.5 million units. Apple’s sales graphs look less like a rollercoaster and more like an escalator—always going up, slowly but steadily.
So, what does that mean for the shiny new iPhone 17 lineup?
iPhone 17 Mania: Why This Year Is Different
The 2025 event isn’t just about one new iPhone. We’re looking at four models—the iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, and the powerhouse duo iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Add in some bonus goodies like AirPods Pro 3 and the new Apple Watch Series 11, and suddenly Apple’s ecosystem looks like a shopping cart you can’t empty.
With the iPhone 17 Air rumored to be the thinnest phone Apple has ever made, expect queues outside stores that will make Black Friday look like a casual stroll. People who don’t even like slim phones will buy it—just so they can say, “Look, mine’s thinner than yours.”
The Estimated Sales: Numbers with a Wink
Given Apple’s momentum, analysts predict the iPhone 17 series could easily cross 7 million units in the first week. Yes, seven million. That’s like selling an iPhone to every single resident of Hong Kong—with enough left over for their cousins in Macau.
Here’s a cheeky breakdown of how it might go:
- iPhone 17 (Standard): ~2.5 million units. Affordable, reliable, and perfect for those upgrading from an older model.
- iPhone 17 Air: ~1.5 million units. Mainly bought by people who already own three iPhones but just need the thinnest one.
- iPhone 17 Pro: ~2 million units. For the photography buffs who claim they’ll use 8K video recording “for serious projects” but really just film their cat.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: ~1 million units. For power users—and anyone who thinks “bigger is always better.”
Why Apple Will Laugh All the Way to the Bank
Even if global economies are wobbling, Apple has one secret weapon: FOMO. People might skip vacations, delay upgrading their car, or even survive on instant noodles—but when Apple drops a new iPhone, wallets magically open.
Combine this with Apple’s massive brand loyalty, smart marketing, and the global buzz around the “Awe-Dropping” keynote, and it’s safe to say that the first week of iPhone 17 sales will be record-breaking.
Final Thought
So, what’s the estimated sales figure? Around 7 million units worldwide in the first week. And if Apple decides to throw in a new surprise color like “Midnight Purple” or “Galaxy Green,” you can probably add another million to that tally.
In short, expect long queues, overloaded servers on Apple’s website, and a week where the phrase “Out of Stock” trends on social media. Apple doesn’t just launch iPhones—it launches cultural moments, and the iPhone 17 will be no different.