Apple recorded a strong 20% surge in iPhone shipments in China during the first quarter, achieving the fastest growth among major smartphone vendors even as the overall market declined, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
Total smartphone shipments in China fell 4% between January and March, weighed down by supply chain disruptions and rising memory chip prices, which pushed up production costs across the industry.
Despite the broader slowdown, Apple and Huawei both bucked the trend, posting growth of 20% and 2% respectively, cementing their positions as the top two smartphone vendors in the country.
Analyst Ivan Lam of Counterpoint Research said Apple’s performance was driven by strong perceived value among consumers, especially as competing brands increased prices in response to higher component costs.
“As most rivals raise prices, Apple stands out for value, with Chinese consumers knowing its products last at least three years,” Lam said.
Huawei maintained its position as market leader with a 20% share, supported by strong demand across both premium and budget segments, including its Enjoy 90 series.
Apple followed closely in second place with a 19% market share, reflecting sustained demand for its latest iPhone models.
In contrast, several Chinese manufacturers struggled during the quarter. Xiaomi saw the steepest decline, with shipments plunging 35%, which analysts attributed to a high base effect after strong performance last year driven by aggressive discounts and government subsidies.
Oppo shipments fell 5%, while Honor declined 3%. Vivo was the only other major brand to record growth, rising 2% thanks to strong sales during the Lunar New Year period.
Industry-wide, vendors have been raising prices on budget smartphones to offset rising memory chip costs, further pressuring demand in the mass market segment.
Looking ahead, analysts expect continued challenges in the second quarter, though Apple and Huawei are projected to remain relatively resilient.
Lam noted that Huawei could see further gains, particularly in lower-end device segments, while Apple is expected to maintain steady demand despite pricing pressures across the market.
