Apple Sets Record Sales in China’s Smartphone Market for 2025
In a remarkable achievement, Apple has concluded 2025 with exceptional smartphone sales in China, marking a significant leap from the previous year. The latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) highlights the company's impressive performance, particularly with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup. This report not only showcases Apple’s growing dominance in the world’s largest smartphone market but also sets the stage for an even more competitive landscape in 2026.
A Stellar Fourth Quarter and Year-End Performance
The iPhone 17, including its Pro and Pro Max variants, has captured considerable attention in China, mirroring its popularity across the globe. Unlike 2024, where the iPhone 16 series struggled, the new releases in September 2025 set a new standard for Apple in the Chinese market.
This surge in popularity has greatly impacted Apple’s market share, increasing from 13.2% in 2024 to 16% by the end of 2025. This translates to nearly three million additional iPhone units shipped in the last quarter alone compared to the previous year, solidifying Apple’s leadership over its competitors.
While Apple maintained its first-place ranking in the Chinese market at the end of 2024, its lead was minimal. The company had an equal footing with Vivo and a close third place with Huawei. In contrast, Apple’s position has expanded significantly in 2025, leading to a four-million unit advantage in shipments and a notable four percentage point increase in market share.
Competition is Fierce
Despite this latter success, Apple did not manage to displace Huawei as the annual leader in total shipments for 2025. However, with the right strategies and product launches, Apple's chances of overtaking its competitors seem promising for 2026, particularly if Huawei continues to lose market share.
2026 Predictions: Will Apple Continue Its Ascent?
Looking ahead, signs suggest that Apple could replicate its Q4 success throughout 2026. The ongoing popularity of the iPhone 17 series, along with upcoming releases like the anticipated iPhone 18 and the first-generation iPhone Fold, places Apple in a strong position to capture further market share.
Moreover, declines from competitors like Huawei and Vivo contribute to positive growth prospects for Apple. Nonetheless, Xiaomi also recorded a notable increase in shipments, emphasizing the competitive nature of this market where any vendor could potentially win based on a slight shift in performance.
The Importance of the iPhone 17e
Although the iPhone 16e was not highlighted as a significant player in Apple's growth for 2025, the upcoming iPhone 17e is anticipated to have a crucial impact on Apple's potential victory in 2026. Given that this is predominantly a budget-oriented market, the iPhone 17e could emerge as a favorite, offering high performance at a more accessible price point than its higher-end siblings.
With the same A19 processor as the standard iPhone 17 combined with a modern design, the 17e has the potential to capture attention away from local rivals, proving a significant asset in Apple's bid for supremacy in China's smartphone market.
