The latest data from Canalys reveals that in Q4 2023, the decline in Mainland China's smartphone market narrowed further, with total shipments reaching 73.9 million units, signaling a year-on-year decrease of just 1%. Apple took the top position in Q4, shipping 17.5 million units. With an adequate supply of the new iPhone 15 series, Apple's shipments increased by 6% year-on-year and growing their market share from 16% in Q4-22 to 24% market share in Q4-23. 

(Click on Q4-23 Chart below to Enlarge)

In 2023, Apple took the top spot for annual shipments in the Chinese market for the first time, with a slight year-on-year increase of 1%. Its annual market share increased from 18% in Q4-22 to 19% in Q4-23.

(Click on Full-Year Chart below to Enlarge)

vivo, OPPO and HONOR competed closely, each capturing a 16% market share.

“On-device AI in smartphones has quickly become a hot topic in Mainland China's market in Q4,” added Zhong. “Chinese Android manufacturers have successively launched flagship models with on-device generative AI capabilities in the fourth quarter, such as the vivo X100 series and Xiaomi 14 series. In the short term, the development of on-device AI features shall still be mainly led by the vendors, stimulating the early adopter demand for new experiences.

“Looking forward to 2024, the Chinese smartphone market is expected to enter a path of moderate recovery, supported by channel profitability and exciting new products,” stated Amber Liu, Research Manager at Canalys.