Apple’s iPhone sales in China experienced a sharp decline, falling by 19% in the first quarter of 2024, while Huawei saw its smartphone sales soar by nearly 70% during the same period, according to a recent report from Counterpoint Research. This significant shift in the Chinese smartphone market underscores a changing landscape, with Huawei’s resurgence posing a direct challenge to Apple’s dominance in the premium segment.
Huawei’s growth can be attributed to the successful launch of its new Mate 60 series, which features a high-end 5G-enabled chip, helping the brand reclaim a substantial share of the premium market. Despite facing US sanctions that limited its access to key technologies, Huawei has made a remarkable comeback, becoming the fourth-largest smartphone maker in China.
Meanwhile, Apple, despite slipping to third place in the Chinese market, is planning a robust response. Senior analyst Ivan Lam from Counterpoint suggests that the company’s recovery efforts may include new color options for flagship devices, aggressive sales promotions, and the integration of advanced artificial intelligence features, which are expected to be announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. These initiatives could help Apple regain ground in the coming months.
Overall, the Chinese smartphone market is experiencing a modest rebound, with a 1.5% year-over-year growth rate in the first quarter of 2024. This rebound is driven in part by Chinese New Year promotions and a competitive market that continues to evolve with new technological features and marketing strategies.
For more insights on China’s smartphone market dynamics, check out the full report by Counterpoint Research https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/china-smartphone-q1-2024/
