Apple's iPhone Sales in China Drop 24% Amid Huawei's Surge

As Huawei's sales soar by 64%, Apple counters declining market share with discounts and revised shipment forecasts.

Apple's iPhone sales in China have dropped 24% year-on-year in the first six weeks of 2024, marking a significant decline in the company's performance in its largest overseas market.
Huawei has emerged as Apple's main competitor in China, with its sales surging 64% in the same period, largely due to the popularity of its Mate 60 series and a resurgence in nationalistic purchasing.
Apple has responded to the sales slump by offering discounts on certain iPhone models and lowering its 2024 shipment forecasts for key components, indicating concerns over continued demand.
The overall smartphone market in China shrank by 7%, with other Chinese brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo also experiencing sales declines, highlighting a broader market downturn.
Analysts suggest that Apple's lack of significant upgrades in the iPhone 15 and stiff competition from Huawei, particularly in the high-end market segment, are key factors contributing to the sales decline.