Apple Loses Top Spot as Best-Selling Smartphone Maker in China

Apple has been dethroned as China's leading smartphone maker, according to a recent report by Counterpoint Research. The tech giant, known for its iconic iPhone, has slipped from the top spot in the Chinese market, with competitors Vivo, Huawei, and Honor taking the lead.

iPhone Sales Decline in China

Recent data from Counterpoint Research shows that Apple experienced a significant 24% drop in iPhone sales during the first six weeks of 2024. This decline marks a reversal from 2023 when the iPhone claimed the top-selling smartphone title in China for the first time.

Market Share Shifts

In 2023, Apple held a 19% market share in China, which has now decreased to 15.7%, as reported by Counterpoint. Vivo, a prominent Chinese tech company, has emerged as the new leader in smartphone sales in China, surpassing Huawei, Honor, and Apple.

Challenges Faced by Apple

Analysts attribute Apple's sales decline in China to intense competition from rivals like Huawei, as well as pricing pressure from brands such as OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi. The overall smartphone market in China has also experienced a 7% year-over-year decrease in sales, according to Counterpoint.

Impact on Apple

The decline in iPhone sales in China adds to Apple's challenges in the region, including potential disruptions in the supply chain due to local chipmakers ramping up production. Additionally, a shift towards supporting domestic companies in China may further impact Apple's market position.

As of the latest report, Apple has not commented on the sales decline in China. The tech giant's performance in the region will continue to be closely monitored as competition intensifies and market dynamics evolve.

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By: sgoel@insider.com (Shubhangi Goel)
Title: Apple Loses Top Spot as Best-Selling Smartphone Maker in China
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-sales-china-down-huawei-vivo-smartphone-2024-3
Published Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:02:25 +0000