Two Reasons Helped Record iPhone Sales and Both Are Orange

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Apple recently announced their highest-ever iPhone sales in the final quarter of the previous year, marking a significant milestone. While growth trends have generally been upward over time, this recent period saw a remarkable surge in sales figures.

Industry analysts have identified several contributing factors to this success, with new insights pointing to two additional reasons—both connected to the color orange.

In their latest financial report, Apple revealed that this quarter was their most profitable yet, driven largely by record-breaking iPhone sales. Notably, China emerged as a crucial market, reversing a previous six-quarter stagnation or decline.

According to the report, Apple achieved a quarterly revenue of $143.8 billion, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The iPhone segment experienced unprecedented demand, marking its peak sales period.

China’s market performance was particularly impressive, with a 38% rise year-over-year. This growth was predominantly due to iPhone sales, which set an all-time revenue record for the region, making it the most successful quarter in China’s history for iPhones.

While several factors have been suggested to explain this boom, recent reports emphasize the influence of the iPhone 17 Pro models’ distinctive color: cosmic orange.

The Financial Times highlighted the pivotal role played by this vibrant hue. In China, where consumers are often driven by status symbols, having a visibly new and exclusive-looking device makes a substantial difference. The eye-catching orange color not only signals the latest model, but also underscores its premium nature.

Design improvements in the iPhone 17 series have further strengthened Apple’s image as a luxury brand, especially in China, where visual status cues matter. The particular shade of orange is reminiscent of Hermès’ signature hue, adding an element of perceived luxury to the device.

A model and influencer known as Xiao Mei expressed strong admiration for the color, noting that the hue felt special and luxurious—similar to Hermès orange—and that her affinity for it grew the longer she observed the device. This perception of exclusivity and style has contributed significantly to the device’s desirability in the market.