According to preliminary data from IDC, the China smartphone shipments grew 3.2% year over year (YoY) to 68.8 million units in 3Q24. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, fueled by a surge in device upgrades driven by sustained pent-up demand.

Arthur Guo, senior research analyst in Client System Research for IDC China: "A significant wave of device upgrades is propelling the sustained recovery of the Chinese smartphone market. Despite ongoing economic challenges, consumers are highly motivated to purchase new smartphones after three years of pent-up demand."

IDC noted that Apple had re-entered the Top 5 smartphone companies at second place with the launch of its new iPhone 16 series. Initial sales figures are on par with its predecessor, and the company anticipates that upcoming promotions and the anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence will drive future demand.

"We anticipate the positive growth trajectory to continue into the fourth quarter," said Jacob Zhu, research analyst for Client Devices at IDC Asia/Pacific. "This momentum will be bolstered by the early release of flagship models from leading brands, as well as the early kick-off of the Singles Day shopping festival."

IDC honestly reported on smartphones for all of "China" that includes Hong Kong. Analytical reports attempting to hype Huawei and other Chinese vendors usually decide to only cover "Mainland China" like Canalys did this morning so as to sully Apple's true market position in China overall.