Apple recorded a 23% increase in smartphone sales in China during the first nine weeks of 2026, outperforming a declining overall market.
The broader Chinese smartphone market fell 4% year-on-year during the same period, reflecting weak consumer demand despite government subsidies aimed at stimulating spending.
Apple’s growth was supported by aggressive e-commerce discounts and eligibility for state subsidies on its base iPhone 17 model. Its strong supply chain management also allowed the company to absorb rising memory chip costs more effectively than competitors.
In contrast, several Android manufacturers, including OPPO and vivo, have raised prices to offset higher component costs, potentially limiting their competitiveness. Huawei may gain some advantage due to its reliance on domestic suppliers, which helps mitigate cost pressures.
Analysts expect continued pressure on the market in the coming months, with a possible rebound tied to promotional activity during China’s mid-year shopping season.
