Apple’s Sales in China Grow, but Huawei Stays Ahead

Apple has seen a boost in iPhone sales in China for the first time in two years, but there’s still a strong contender in the market. In Q2 2025, the company recorded an 8% year-over-year growth, driven primarily by promotions for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This marked a significant moment in the Chinese market, but despite the positive trend, Apple was outperformed by Huawei, who achieved a 12% increase in sales.

According to a preliminary report by Counterpoint Research, Apple’s success was largely attributed to strategic price cuts and government subsidy programs launched in May. These moves were timed perfectly, coinciding with the annual 618 shopping festival, helping Apple capture more attention and boost sales.

However, Apple’s growth pales in comparison to Huawei, which remains the dominant player in the Chinese smartphone market. With Huawei leading in market share and sales, it’s clear that intense competition remains a huge factor for Apple. While Vivo holds second place by market share, they’ve seen a 9% sales decline, allowing Apple to claim third spot despite a muted overall performance.

The key to Apple’s success in the Chinese market also lies in its introduction of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable model that expanded its reach to the highly competitive midrange segment. The device attracted cost-conscious consumers, especially in an environment where the slowing economy has made consumers more hesitant to splurge on premium devices. Aggressive promotions and national subsidies became vital to maintaining sales across all smartphone brands.

While the iPhone 16 lineup’s performance is commendable, Huawei’s rise serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the Chinese market. Huawei’s innovative devices like the Vivo X200 Ultra and the Huawei Mate XT showcase the brand’s cutting-edge technology and design, putting pressure on Apple to keep up. The challenge for Apple will be maintaining its edge in the premium market while facing increasingly fierce competition from local brands who seem to be leading the way in innovation.