By Apple’s flagship product, the iPhone, has reportedly experienced a resurgence in one of its largest markets, China. Last month, iPhone shipments surged by 52% following the announcement of various discounts by multiple retail partners.
Recent data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology revealed a significant increase in smartphone shipments within the country. A Bloomberg report indicates that approximately 3.5 million of these units were from international brands, with Apple’s iPhones comprising the bulk of these devices.
iPhones in China experienced a sharp drop in sales during the first two months of the year, but this swift recovery aligns with the company’s growth in March. Apple also faced double-digit declines in sales of its newest iPhone models as it ceded premium market share to China’s Huawei.
What Analysts Say About iPhone Shipments in China
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts, the decline in iPhone shipments in China may be nearing its end. A recent poll indicates that Chinese consumers are increasingly interested in upgrading to new devices.
Analysts Steven Tseng and Sean Chen wrote: “The iPhone’s diminishing market share in China could soon stabilize. Our latest survey shows Apple reclaiming its position as the top smartphone brand among Chinese consumers after being overtaken by Huawei. We believe this shift in user interest is driven by the premiumization trend in China, coupled with consumer fatigue from long waiting periods for Huawei’s high-end models. More than half of the survey respondents indicated a willingness to spend over 4,000 yuan ($550) on their next phone, compared to just 33% who currently use premium handsets.”
