The South China Morning Post (SCMP) cited data from market research firm Canalys showing that Apple shipped 13.1 million iPhones in the last quarter of 2024, down 25% from the same period in 2023 (17.5 million units).
Apple surpassed popular Chinese smartphone makers Huawei and Vivo - each with 12.9 million units - to lead sales in China from September to December 2024. Xiaomi and Oppo ranked fourth and fifth in the fourth quarter of 2024, shipping 12.2 million and 10.6 million units, respectively.
Although Apple led in the final quarter of 2024, in total smartphone sales in 12 months, the iPhone maker only shipped 42.9 million units, down 17% compared to 2023. In terms of market share, Apple accounted for 15% in the Chinese market, falling to third place.
The US company is behind Huawei and Vivo in the world's largest smartphone market. According to Canalys, Huawei will sell 46 million units in 2024, up 37% from 2023. It leads the market share in China with 17%. Vivo is behind Huawei with 16%.
China's overall smartphone market saw shipments rise 5% to 77.4 million from September 1 to December 31, 2024, and shipments rose 4% for the full year to 285 million units, marking a recovery after two years of decline, according to Canalys.
According to experts, Apple's decline in China is due to competition from local manufacturers. Uncertainty surrounding the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) services on the new iPhone line has affected its sales. Despite making great strides in the last 3 months of 2024, Apple still lags behind Huawei and Vivo.
To boost sales in China, Apple launched rare price cuts in early January 2025, both on its website and in traditional Apple Stores.
Canalys forecasts that smartphone shipments in China will exceed 290 million units in 2025.
