Beijing: The latest data has shown that Apple has achieved significant growth in China, with iPhone shipments rising by 20 percent in the first quarter. The increase has come even as the overall smartphone market has declined.
According to Counterpoint Research, total smartphone shipments in China have fallen by 4 percent between January and March. The decline has been linked to supply chain disruptions and rising memory chip costs.
Despite this trend, Apple has outperformed most competitors, driven by strong consumer demand and perceived product value. Analysts have noted that Apple devices are often seen as durable, contributing to steady sales even as prices rise across the market.
The Apple growth has helped the company secure a 19 percent market share, placing it second behind Huawei, which holds a 20 percent share after recording modest growth.
Other smartphone makers have struggled during the same period. Xiaomi has seen shipments fall sharply by 35 percent, while Oppo and Honor have also reported declines.
Meanwhile, Vivo has managed a slight increase in shipments, supported by seasonal demand during the Lunar New Year.
Rising component costs, particularly for memory chips, have pushed many manufacturers to increase prices, especially in the budget segment. This has contributed to weaker overall demand in the market.
However, Apple has continued to benefit from strong brand loyalty and a premium positioning, allowing it to perform better than many rivals.
Looking ahead, analysts have expected continued challenges in the second quarter as cost pressures persist. However, Apple and Huawei are projected to remain relatively resilient compared with other brands.
The performance has highlighted shifting dynamics in China’s smartphone market, where premium brands have managed to maintain growth despite broader economic and supply challenges.
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