Apple Trails Huawei And Vivo In China Smartphone Market In 2024

During the fourth quarter of 2024, Apple reclaimed the top spot in China’s smartphone market, but intense domestic competition pushed it to third place for the year, Canalys said. In Q4, the US tech giant shipped 13.1 million units, down 25 percent from 17.5 million a year earlier, narrowly beating Vivo and Huawei, which each shipped 12.9 million units. All three brands had approximately 17% market share.

Apple’s overall 2024 shipments were 42.9 million units, down 17% and 15% of the market. Huawei came second with a 16% share, while Vivo led with a 17% share. The resurgence of Huawei, which is powered by its own chips introduced in 2023, helped it ship 46 million units in 2023, up 37% year on year.

The smartphone market in China grew 5 percent in Q4 to 77.4 million units, a recovery from two years of decline. Shipments rose 4 percent to 285 million units for the full year. US-China tensions and patriotic support for Huawei have put pressure on Apple, which also has to contend with the launch of its new artificial intelligence services in China. In Q1 and Q3, Apple’s shipments fell 25% and 6% year on year, and it lost its place in the top five in Q2.

Amber Liu, Canalys research manager, said intense competition was driving the changing landscape. Liu noted that Apple is focusing on high-end competitiveness and user retention, while vendors are expanding investments in their strengths. To boost sales, Apple has offered discounts, trade-in programs, and interest-free installment plans.

With competition growing, Canalys predicts China’s smartphone shipments will reach 290 million units in 2025. At the same time, Apple is trying to maintain its premium market position in the face of rising domestic rivals.

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