Apple's Q1 iPhone Shipments in China Rise 20%

• Apple achieved the strongest growth among major vendors at 20%, while Huawei grew 2% and maintained its market-leading position with 20% share
• Overall smartphone shipments fell 4% as rising memory chip prices forced vendors to increase prices, particularly on budget handsets to protect margins
• Xiaomi saw shipments plunge 35% to sixth place due to high base effects from aggressive price cuts and government subsidies in the prior-year period

Apple's Q1 iPhone Shipments in China Rise 20%

Apple's iPhone shipments in China surged 20% year-over-year in Q1 2025, marking the strongest growth among major smartphone vendors, according to Counterpoint Research data released April 17.

Key Market Performance

The overall Chinese smartphone market declined 4% in the January-March period, pressured by supply chain disruptions and rising memory chip costs. Despite industrywide headwinds, Apple and Huawei defied the trend with 20% and 2% growth respectively.

Huawei maintained its position as China's top smartphone vendor with a 20% market share, followed by Apple. Vivo also posted 2% growth driven by strong Lunar New Year sales.

Major Declines

Xiaomi experienced the steepest drop, plummeting 35% to sixth place—attributed to a high base effect from aggressive pricing and government subsidies in the prior-year period. Oppo and Honor shipments fell 5% and 3% respectively.

Market Dynamics

Rising memory chip prices forced vendors to increase budget handset prices to protect margins. However, Apple's value proposition resonated with Chinese consumers who view iPhones as lasting at least three years, according to Counterpoint senior analyst Ivan Lam.

Huawei's growth was supported by demand across both premium and budget segments, including its Enjoy 90 series.

Outlook

Analysts expect continued market challenges in Q2 as Chinese brands implement further price increases. However, Apple and Huawei are projected to outperform competitors, with Huawei potentially seeing additional shipment growth from strong demand for lower-end devices.

The diverging fortunes highlight Apple's strengthening position in the world's largest smartphone market despite broader economic pressures and intensifying competition.