Apple iPhone Q1 Sales In China Fall 19 Percent, Says Counterpoint

Apple and its CEO Tim Cook continue to encounter headwinds in China, after new research recorded a sales decline in one of the world’s largest mobile markets.

The new report from market research firm Counterpoint Research, confirmed that Apple saw sales of its iPhone portfolio fall 19.1 percent in the first three months of the year in China.
https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/china-smartphone-q1-2024/

It came after Counterpoint last month had found that Apple iPhone sales in China had fallen 24 percent in the first six weeks of 2024, due to stiff competition and an abnormally high January 2023.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in five stunning new colours: black, blue, green, yellow, and pink
Image credit Apple

China sales

Now Counterpoint has reported that Apple is facing intense competition in China, after it noted that Huawei experienced a 69.7 percent surge in smartphone sales in the country during the same period.

Counterpoint noted that Huawei’s growth was largely attributed to the successful launch of the 5G-capable Mate 60 series as well as its enduring brand reputation – all of which helped it gain a massive share in the $600+ premium segment.

The Huawei Mate 60 Pro. Image Credit Huawei

Huawei is currently only the fourth-largest smartphone maker in China and despite it’s comeback, Huawei spinoff Honor still managed to grow 11.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) in Q1 driven by its popular models, such as the X50 and Play 40, and its expansion in offline channels.

Counterpoint also found that China’s smartphone sales grew 1.5 percent YoY in Q1 2024, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive YoY growth.

“Momentum seems to be building on a recovery as China’s smartphone sales continued their growth trajectory and grew 4.6 percent QoQ in Q1 2024,” noted Counterpoint’s associate director Ethan Qi.

“The sales promotions during the Chinese New Year festivities were the biggest growth driver,” said Qi. “The average weekly sales during the four weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year saw a robust growth of 20% when compared to a normal week.”

iPhone recovery?

Meanwhile senior research Analyst Ivan Lam commented on the OEM players operating in the Chinese smartphone market.

“Vivo gained the top spot this quarter with 17.4 percent share driven by strong sales of the Y35 Plus and Y36 models in the low-end segment and the S18 in the mid-end segment,” said Lam.

“Honor ranked second with a 16.1 percent share, followed by Apple with a 15.7 percent share. Apple’s sales were subdued during the quarter as Huawei’s comeback has directly impacted Apple in the premium segment. Besides, the replacement demand for Apple has been slightly subdued compared to previous years.”

Looking forward, Lam saw the possibility of an iPhone recovery. In January this year Apple offered extremely unusual iPhone discounts in China, as it faced increased competition from domestic rivals and slowing demand.

“We are seeing slow but steady improvement from week to week, so momentum could be shifting,” said Lam. “For the second quarter, the possibility of new colour options combined with aggressive sales initiatives could bring the brand back into positive territory; and of course, we are waiting to see what its AI features will offer come WWDC in June. That has the potential to move the needle significantly longer term.”

Counterpoint Research estimates low single-digit YoY growth for China’s smartphone market in 2024.

The firm said it expects AI features embedded into Chinese smartphone makers’ handsets to drive renewed demand for new mobile phones.

Tom Jowitt

Tom Jowitt is a leading British tech freelancer and long standing contributor to Silicon UK. He is also a bit of a Lord of the Rings nut...

Recent Posts

Spyware Maker NSO Group Found Liable In US Court

Landmark ruling finds NSO Group liable on hacking charges in US federal court, after Pegasus…

6 hours ago

Microsoft Diversifying 365 Copilot Away From OpenAI

Microsoft reportedly adding internal and third-party AI models to enterprise 365 Copilot offering as it…

7 hours ago

Albania Bans TikTok For One Year After Stabbing

Albania to ban access to TikTok for one year after schoolboy stabbed to death, as…

7 hours ago

Foldable Shipments Slow In China Amidst Global Growth Pains

Shipments of foldable smartphones show dramatic slowdown in world's biggest smartphone market amidst broader growth…

8 hours ago

Google Proposes Remedies After Antitrust Defeat

Google proposes modest remedies to restore search competition, while decrying government overreach and planning appeal

8 hours ago

Sega Considers Starting Own Game Subscription Service

Sega 'evaluating' starting its own game subscription service, as on-demand business model makes headway in…

9 hours ago