Apple has lost its top spot in the Chinese smartphone market. Local brands like Huawei and Vivo have overtaken the tech giant. According to data from Canalys, Apple now holds 15% of the market in China. Meanwhile, Huawei has climbed to 16%, and Vivo leads with 17%.
iPhone Sales Drop Sharply in China
Apple’s iPhone sales in China have dropped significantly. In 2023, the company sold 51.8 million units. By 2024, this number fell to 42.9 million. Amber Liu, a research manager at Canalys, said Apple is struggling to compete with high-end phones from local brands. These Chinese competitors are offering advanced features and competitive prices.
Huawei, despite facing U.S. sanctions, has made an impressive comeback. In 2024, its smartphone shipments increased by 37%. Vivo is also growing rapidly, strengthening its hold on the market.
Apple Faces Tough Competition
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Apple’s shipments in China fell by 25%. CEO Tim Cook has made several trips to China to address this issue. However, many Chinese consumers are now choosing homegrown brands. These brands better meet their preferences and offer more value for money.
The Chinese government is also playing a role in shaping the market. Recently, it introduced incentives to encourage people to buy smartphones. Experts believe these programs will benefit local brands like Huawei and Vivo more than Apple.
What’s Next for Apple in China?
As Apple grapples with fierce competition, questions loom over whether the tech giant can reclaim its leadership in China. Will the brand’s premium reputation and loyal customer base be enough to counter the rise of Huawei and Vivo? Or are we witnessing a new era of Chinese smartphone dominance?
Will Apple find a way to bounce back in China? Or are Huawei and Vivo the new leaders of the market? Share your thoughts in the comments!
