South Korea Included as First-Wave Launch Country for iPhone 17
Apple Strengthens Market Strategy Amid Intensifying Competition in Asia
Apple has included South Korea among the first-wave launch countries for the iPhone 17, which is scheduled to be released on September 9 (local time) next month.
According to the IT industry on August 22, Apple has reportedly added South Korea to the list of countries for the initial release of its new iPhone. Apple is expected to begin pre-orders for the iPhone 17 on September 12, with official activation starting on the 19th.
Last September, Apple included South Korea as a first-wave launch country for the first time with the release of the iPhone 16, alongside the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, and India. By listing South Korea as a first-wave launch country again this year, Apple is strengthening its efforts to capture the market.
Apple has been experiencing sluggish sales in China, the largest smartphone market, due to intensified government regulations and heightened competition from local companies such as Huawei and Xiaomi. As a result, it is believed that Apple has included Asian markets like South Korea, which previously had a smaller share, in the first-wave launch countries.
According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Samsung Electronics accounted for a dominant 82% of cumulative domestic smartphone sales from January to July this year. Samsung is further strengthening its market share thanks to the popularity of its flagship Galaxy S25 series.
An Apple Korea representative stated, "After South Korea was included as a first-wave launch country last year, our market share based on third-quarter sales increased," adding, "However, there has not been an official announcement yet, as far as I know."
Meanwhile, IT specialist media outlet MacRumors reported that the price of the iPhone 17 series will increase by about $50 per product line compared to the iPhone 16 series.
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