According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, in the second quarter of 2025, iPhone sales in China increased by 8% compared to the same period last year. This is the first time Apple has recorded growth in China since the second quarter of 2023.
Counterpoint said that Apple's performance was boosted by promotions in May when Chinese e-commerce companies reduced prices for Apple's iPhone 16 models, the company's latest device. The tech giant has also increased the exchange rate of some iPhones.
Ethan Qi, Deputy Director at Counterpoint, said in a press release: Apples iPhone price adjustment in May was the right time and warmly welcomed, taking place a week before the 618 shopping festival. The 618 Shopping Festival takes place in China every June and e-commerce retailers are offering a big discount.
Meanwhile, Huawei led the smartphone market share in China from April to June this year. Huawei's sales rose 12% year-on-year in the second quarter of this year, Counterpoint said. The company was the largest company in China in terms of market share in the second quarter, followed by Vivo and then Apple in third place.
Huawei is still gaining the trust of core users as it replaces older phones with new Huawei products, said Ivan Lam, senior analyst at Counterpoint.
The Pura X and Nova 14 series are perfect examples of Huawei's "loyal user base" theory. Many netizens have exchanged their old devices for these phones in recent months due to their new design, AI features, HarmonyOS 5.0 and cost effectiveness.
Thanks to that, Huawei recorded remarkable growth compared to its competitors, including Apple and other Chinese brands. For example, Vivo ranked second in terms of market share in China in the second quarter of this year, but sales decreased by 9% compared to the same period last year.
