Apple continues to dominate China’s smartphone market, securing half of the top 10 best-selling models in Q3 2024, according to a report by Canalys. This remarkable achievement underscores the tech giant’s unyielding grip on one of the world’s most competitive markets.
Apple Captures Five Spots in China’s Top 10 Smartphone Sales
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max emerged as the best-selling model, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15. These models’ premium features and brand appeal have propelled Apple far ahead of domestic competitors like Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Huawei.
While Huawei managed to secure a position in the top 10 with its Huawei Pura 70, its overall market share continues to lag. Huawei still holds a strong position in the 4,000-6,000 yuan ($550-$825) segment, making it the only significant domestic rival to Apple’s premium lineup.
Huawei Faces Challenges in the Premium Segment
Huawei’s struggle to compete in the high-end market stems from US trade restrictions, which have limited its access to cutting-edge components. The brand now relies on domestically produced chips, reducing its competitiveness in the flagship category.
Despite these setbacks, Huawei enjoys strong support from Chinese consumers who value the brand as a symbol of national pride. Many buyers believe that purchasing Huawei devices contributes to the growth of domestic technology and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
Huawei’s Strategy: Innovation and National Appeal
In November, Huawei launched its Mate 70 series, featuring the fully self-developed HarmonyOS Next. This operating system, free from Android code, aims to challenge iOS and Android dominance in China. The Mate 70 series starts at 5,499 yuan ($756) and is complemented by the Mate X6 foldable smartphone. Both of these highlight AI capabilities as a competitive edge.
However, the road ahead remains steep. To regain its lost ground, Huawei must aggressively innovate and overcome the limitations imposed by international sanctions.
Apple’s Dominance, Huawei’s Uphill Battle
Apple’s stronghold on China’s smartphone market continues to grow, fueled by the success of its iPhone lineup. Meanwhile, Huawei remains a resilient player, leveraging consumer loyalty and innovation to challenge Apple’s dominance.
While the future of Huawei in the high-end market is uncertain, its commitment to developing domestic technology shows promise. For now, Apple’s lead in China remains unshaken, reaffirming its status as a global leader in the smartphone industry.
