(Market Insider) – For the first time, Vietnam joins the world’s earliest markets to receive Apple’s latest iPhones. Beginning September 12, customers can pre-order the new iPhone 17 lineup, with devices scheduled for delivery from September 19—the same day as the U.S., Singapore, and other key Apple markets.
Record Pricing, Expanded Storage
According to Apple Store Online Vietnam and authorized resellers, the iPhone 17 starts at VND 24.99 million (~USD 985), while the all-new iPhone Air begins at VND 31.99 million (~USD 1,260). The iPhone 17 Pro opens at VND 34.99 million, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts from VND 37.99 million.
For the first time, Apple is offering a 2TB storage option on the Pro Max, raising the top-end price to an unprecedented VND 63.99 million (~USD 2,520)—making it the most expensive official iPhone ever in Vietnam. All 2025 models now feature minimum 256GB storage and 120Hz displays.
Hardware Innovations
- iPhone Air: Just 5.6 mm thick, it is Apple’s thinnest iPhone to date, crafted from titanium with a glossy finish and reinforced by “Ceramic Shield 2” for improved scratch and crack resistance.
- iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max: Redesigned aluminum body for better heat dissipation, plus a larger camera module.
- iPhone 17: Retains last year’s design but adds a 120Hz display and the new A19 chip for faster performance.
Why Vietnam Made the First Tier
Traditionally, Apple prioritized markets with physical Apple Stores for first-wave launches. Vietnam, however, has only the Apple Store Online. Its inclusion reflects both strong sales growth and closer cooperation with regulators.
The Ministry of Science and Technology confirmed it had signed a security certification agreement with Apple in 2025, allowing testing and approvals to take place confidentially ahead of launch—helping align Vietnam’s release schedule with top-tier markets like the U.S. and Japan.
Market Impact
In previous years, Vietnamese buyers often turned to parallel imports from Singapore or Thailand to get early access. With iPhone 17’s simultaneous release, analysts expect less demand for hand-carried devices and stronger sales for official channels. Despite higher prices—3–4 million VND more than last year’s iPhone 16, attributed to exchange rates and import costs—retailers forecast the iPhone 17 Pro Max could dominate early sales and even face shortages.
This launch underscores Vietnam’s growing importance in Apple’s regional strategy, both as a fast-expanding consumer market and as part of the company’s supply chain diversification in Southeast Asia.
