Apple’s iPhone sales in China have been declining rapidly, with a 24% drop in the first six weeks of 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline comes amidst the rapid rise of Huawei, which saw a 64% increase in sales within the same period. The situation is exacerbated by fierce competition from local rivals such as Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, with Apple being squeezed in the middle due to aggressive pricing strategies.
China, being one of Apple’s largest markets, has also witnessed an overall 7% decrease in smartphone sales during this period, further intensifying the challenges faced by the tech giant. Huawei, on the other hand, managed to defy the odds and experience a surge in sales after releasing its Mate 60 series of 5G smartphones, despite being subject to US sanctions in the past.
The trend is alarming for Apple, as a slowdown in demand in China could significantly impact the company’s revenue, which already fell short of expectations in the last quarter of 2023. The company has been resorting to discounts and subsidies to boost sales in China, but the competition remains stiff.
With Huawei leading the charge and other local brands gaining traction in the Chinese market, Apple faces an uphill battle to regain its foothold and win back customers. The company’s response to these challenges will be crucial in determining its future prospects in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
