In spite of negative media reports on the iPhone's performance in China, Apple ended 2024 as the leading brand in Mainland China
Canalys' latest research reveals that Mainland China's smartphone market shipped 285 million units in 2024, marking a recovery after two years of decline with moderate year-on-year growth of 4%.
In Q4 2024, driven by the high-end peak season, government subsidies and year-end promotions, the Mainland China smartphone market grew by 5% year on year, with shipments reaching 77.4 million units. Apple shipped 13.1 million units in its traditional peak season in the quarter, retaining the top spot.
Apple and its iPhone 16 series maintained the top spot in Q4 but faced growing competitive pressure from domestic flagship devices. In addition to driving sales through seasonal promotions, Apple is enhancing its high-end competitiveness and user retention by improving retail experiences through channel management, offering trade-in programs and expanding coverage of interest-free installment plans.”
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Apple is enhancing its high-end competitiveness and user retention by improving retail experiences through channel management, offering trade-in programs and expanding coverage of interest-free installment plans.”
“Looking ahead to 2025, Canalys predicts that smartphone shipments in Mainland China will exceed 290 million units,” commented Lucas Zhong, Research Analyst at Canalys. “Mainland China enjoys a uniquely favorable market environment in the global market, supported by an anticipated steady demand recovery, a stable and improving macroeconomic environment and healthy channel operations."
For the full year, vivo led the market.
For 2025, Apple will have their powerful new entry iPhone SE 4 that will help them better compete with Chinese Vendors. Yet the big question for 2025 is whether new U.S. tarriffs will hinder iPhone shipments.