Preorders for iPhone 17 series start in Taiwan

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) Preorders for Apple's new iPhone 17 series began in Taiwan on Wednesday through the country's three major telecom providers, ahead of the official launch on Sept. 19.

Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone Telecommunications said upgrades in specifications are expected to boost initial sales by 20 to 30 percent compared with the previous generation.

On Tuesday, 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.

The devices feature new color options and will run on the latest A19 or A19 Pro chips.

In Taiwan, the iPhone 17 will start at NT$29,900 (US$925), 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.

Taiwan Mobile opened preorders Wednesday morning, while Chunghwa Telecom opened preorders the same afternoon.

Far EasTone will begin Sept. 12, the same day when Apple's global presales will start, while also running a promotion that gives consumers a chance to win an iPhone Air.

Taiwan Mobile executive Tony Lin (林東閔) noted that despite concerns over U.S. 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) 3-nanometer process for the A19 Pro chip should further boost demand.

Far EasTone Vice President Chao Yi-nan (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.