Apple Tops China's Smartphone Market with 15% Global Sales Surge

Apple has secured the top spot in China's smartphone market for May, according to Counterpoint Research. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the tech giant, as it represents the strongest performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth in Apple's iPhone sales is attributed to a 15% year-over-year increase in global sales for both April and May, driven primarily by the recovery of two of its largest markets: China and the United States.

Counterpoint's preliminary data indicates that the surge in global sales was largely fueled by the resurgence in these key markets. Additionally, Apple experienced double-digit growth in Japan, India, and the Middle East, further solidifying its position in the global market. Senior analyst Ivan Lam from Counterpoint Research noted that while the second quarter shows promise for iPhone sales, the market's volatility remains dependent on the performance in the United States and China.

In the high-end smartphone segment, defined as devices priced above 600 dollars, Apple has maintained a dominant position. Last year, Apple held a 54% market share in this segment, while Huawei, a key competitor, followed with 29%. Huawei recently launched its Pura 80 series, featuring advanced imaging technology and satellite communication capabilities, aiming to challenge Apple's dominance. Despite these advancements, Huawei's market share in the high-end segment remains 5% behind Apple's.

The Pura 80 series, which includes models like the Pura 80 Pro, Pura 80 Pro+, and Pura 80 Ultra, has been well-received with over 280,000 pre-orders on Huawei's official website. Priced between 6,499 yuan and 9,999 yuan, the series is expected to further narrow the gap between Huawei and Apple in the high-end market. Huawei's overall market share in the smartphone market reached 19.4% in the first quarter of 2025, making it the top-selling brand in China. This growth is driven by strong demand for the Nova 13 series and Pura 70 series, as well as Huawei's leadership in the 600-799 dollar price segment.

Huawei's HarmonyOS Next ecosystem is also expected to drive further growth, with a projected 3% market share by 2025. In the wearable device market, Huawei's WATCH 5, which supports 5G, has gained traction. The company's wearable devices, including smartwatches and fitness bands, have seen significant growth, with a 36% increase in shipments in the first quarter of 2025. This growth is driven by the popularity of the GT and Fit series, as well as the expansion of Huawei's health ecosystem through its Health App.

The competition between Apple and Huawei in the high-end smartphone market is expected to intensify, with both companies investing heavily in research and development. Huawei's focus on imaging technology and satellite communication, coupled with its strong ecosystem, positions it as a formidable competitor to Apple. However, Apple's established brand and loyal customer base continue to give it an edge in the high-end market. The battle for market share in China's high-end smartphone segment is far from over, and consumers can expect to see continued innovation and competition from both companies.