Apple iPhone Shipments Jump 20% in China as Market Declines

Apple achieved a 20 percent year-over-year jump in Chinese smartphone shipments during the first quarter of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. The surge pushed the company into second place in the region, giving it the highest growth rate among the top six smartphone brands even as the broader market contracted.



The growth was largely driven by sustained performance from the iPhone 17 series, promotional price cuts, and government subsidies. It also lines up with trends spotted earlier this year when preliminary data showed Apple pulling ahead during the highly competitive Lunar New Year shopping season.


Overall smartphone shipments in China fell 4 percent during the quarter. The drop was tied to a mix of softer demand, higher component costs, and a tough comparison against last year's subsidy-driven surge. Analyst Ivan Lam said Lunar New Year promotions helped slightly, but discounts were limited by a sharp rise in memory prices. Apple is widely seen as one of the better-positioned companies to handle the current component pressure. Instead of pushing costs onto buyers, it is more likely to absorb some of that impact while continuing to build share.

Huawei took the top spot in the region with a 20 percent market share. The company saw a 2 percent increase in shipments helped by improved supply for its Mate 80 series, along with additional volume from the Enjoy 90 lineup. Its reliance on domestic suppliers also gave it some insulation from the global memory price increases.

OPPO ranked third following the reintegration of the realme brand, as both companies continue to adjust their product lines. The company has started raising prices on some older models as part of a profit-first approach, which has started to weigh on demand.

Xiaomi experienced the steepest drop among the major players. Shipments fell 35 percent year-over-year as the brand pulled back on aggressive promotions and took a more cautious pricing approach in response to higher costs.


Looking ahead, the Chinese smartphone market is expected to stay under pressure into the second quarter. Vendors are dealing with lower shipments and tighter margins at the same time, with memory costs still elevated. A modest lift could come later in the quarter tied to 618 promotions, but conditions remain tight for now.