Smartphone Sales to China Dip as Apple Holds Market Share

Smartphone sales to China have declined, but Apple maintains its market share in non-China branded mobile sales. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology reported a decrease in internal smartphone shipments. Despite the decline, Apple continues to hold a significant portion of non-domestic shipments in the Chinese market.

Smartphone sales to China have shown a significant decline, but Apple has managed to maintain its dominant market share in non-China branded mobile sales. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, internal smartphone shipments decreased by 21.8% year-over-year in May. This decline was primarily driven by Android models, with a 24% year-over-year drop [3].

Despite the overall decline, Apple continues to hold a significant portion of non-domestic shipments in the Chinese market. The brand's market share in non-China branded smartphone shipments stood at 11.7% in the first quarter of 2025, down from 17.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 13% in the first quarter of 2024 [3].

Apple's ability to maintain its market share can be attributed to its strategic pricing and promotional efforts. The tech giant saw a 15% year-over-year increase in global iPhone volumes during April and May, driven in part by Chinese demand pulled forward through discounting [2]. During the 618 shopping festival in June, Apple's iPhone sales in China rose by approximately 19% year-over-year, contributing to a 10% growth in the quarter [2].

Huawei, which has been aggressive in regaining market share in China, saw its sales increase by 12% year-over-year in the second quarter, making it the largest player in the market by market share [1]. Despite this, Apple's market share in non-China branded smartphone shipments remains robust.

Apple's fiscal third-quarter results, covering April 1 to June 30, are due around July 31, with analysts forecasting revenue of $88.67 billion and earnings per share of $1.42. Investors will be closely watching for any upside surprises in iPhone growth to sustain momentum.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/03/apple-china-iphone-sales-grew-for-the-first-time-in-two-years.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-aapl-rises-jefferies-upgrade-151820865.html
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4465609-smartphone-sales-to-china-dip-as-apple-holds-bulk-of-non-domestic-shipments-analysts