Key Points
- Huawei and Apple are the only major brands posting growth
- Apple ranks second in China with 19 per cent market share
- Memory chip prices and supply constraints weigh on the broader market
ISLAMABAD: Apple’s iPhone shipments in China rose 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, marking the strongest growth among major handset makers in the world’s largest smartphone market, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
The increase came despite a broader slowdown in the Chinese smartphone sector, where total shipments declined 4 per cent during the January–March period amid supply chain disruptions and rising memory chip costs.
Apple and Huawei are the only major vendors to record growth in the quarter, according to the data. Huawei shipments increased 2 per cent, while Apple posted a 20 per cent rise, driven by sustained demand for its premium devices.
Analysts attributed Apple’s performance to its positioning in the higher-end segment of the market, where price increases across competitors have reinforced Apple’s relative value perception among Chinese consumers.
Counterpoint noted that buyers continue to view iPhones as long-life devices, supporting replacement demand even in a weakening market.
Overall market conditions remained under pressure, with industry-wide costs rising after the tighter supply of memory chips.
Manufacturers have been adjusting pricing strategies across entry-level devices to protect margins, which has contributed to softer demand at the lower end of the market.
Despite a contraction in total shipments, Apple improved its standing in China, holding a 19 per cent market share for the quarter and ranking second behind Huawei, which retained the top position with a 20 per cent share.
The divergence between Apple’s growth and the broader market decline highlights a shift in China’s smartphone landscape, where premium demand has proven more resilient than mass-market segments.
Analysts expect continued pressure on overall shipments in the coming quarters as component costs remain elevated and brands reassess pricing strategies.
Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm that tracks technology, smartphone and consumer electronics markets.
