Hermès boosts iPhone sales in China with its iconic orange hue

Can a single shade turn a market upside down? The House of Hermès has just proved the point. The French luxury giant has seen a spectacular rise in sales in China, thanks to a simple orange color that recalls its emblematic identity.

iPhone 17 Pro sports a hue that has China buzzing

Apple recently unveiled its new iPhone 17 Pro in a color called “cosmic orange”. This shade is immediately reminiscent of the famous orange from the House of Hermès. Chinese consumers were quick to make the connection between these two very similar shades.

The iPhone 17 Pro features a cosmic orange finish, directly reminiscent of Hermès orange. This high-end smartphone appeals to luxury lovers around the world, particularly in Asia. As a result, Chinese social networks are abuzz with the visual resemblance.

What’s more, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in the same cosmic orange shade inspired by Hermès orange. Apple has not officially communicated this stylistic parallel. However, Chinese buyers perceive this color as a symbol of absolute refinement.

“Hermès orange has become a cultural code of luxury that Chinese consumers recognize instantly.”

A viral phenomenon on social networks

Chinese platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu have amplified this phenomenon. Thousands of users share photos associating their new iPhone with Hermès products. This trend is creating a halo effect for the French brand.

Young Chinese consumers see this color as a powerful social marker. Owning an orange iPhone becomes almost equivalent to displaying a luxury accessory. On the other hand, the price of the smartphone remains well below that of a Birkin bag.

French brand sales soar in Asia

The Maison Hermès reports a significant increase in sales on the Chinese market. This growth coincides with the launch of the new iPhone. Industry analysts draw a direct link between these two events.

Many consumers now want to match their phones with authentic accessories. Scarves, bracelets and branded cases are enjoying a revival. As a result, Hermès boutiques in China are seeing an increase in footfall.

• Increase in online searches for Hermès orange products
• Increasing sales of accessories in Chinese boutiques
• Virality of iPhone-Hermes visual associations on Weibo
• Stronger appeal for small leather goods
• Cross-fertilization between Apple and the Parisian saddlery manufacturer

Luxury experts point out that this phenomenon goes beyond mere chance. The Chinese market accounts for a major share of the sector’s revenues. Each viral trend can generate millions of euros in sales.

Stores in China’s major metropolises are benefiting from this craze. Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen account for the majority of purchases. Demand for orange-colored items often exceeds available stocks.

A color strategy turned world heritage

Hermès orange has a fascinating history. The color was adopted after the Second World War, when no beige cardboard was available. Since then, it has embodied French excellence the world over.

This color is protected as a trademark in several countries. It is an intangible asset of considerable value. Any association, however indirect, strengthens the reputation of the Parisian label.

Luxury and technology create unexpected synergies

This visual rapprochement between Apple and the House of Hermès is not entirely new. The two brands have been collaborating since 2015 on a special version of the Apple Watch. This connected watch features leather straps signed by the French saddler.

However, the current phenomenon differs from official partnerships. It arises spontaneously from consumers creating their own associations. This dynamic reveals the power of visual codes in the modern economy.

Luxury brands are keeping a close eye on these trends. A simple color can trigger unexpected buying behavior. As a result, visual identity management is becoming a major strategic issue.

Hermès is taking advantage of this situation without having invested in direct advertising. This free exposure is worth several million in media equivalent. The French group thus continues to dominate the absolute luxury segment, driven by cultural phenomena that sometimes elude traditional marketing strategies.

• Hermès House