Apple’s iPhone shipments on China rose 20% in the first quarter. The number represents the biggest advance among the country’s main suppliers. The Chinese smartphone market as a whole fell 4% in the January-March period.
Dados from Counterpoint Research shows that Apple has gained ground in a higher cost environment. The company reached 19% market share. Huawei maintained its lead with 20%.
Apple stands out amid high component costs
Rising memory chip prices have affected the supply chain. Fabricantes adjusted prices for cheaper devices to preserve margins. Isso weighed on overall demand.
Apple managed to buck the trend. Chinese Consumidores valued the value for money of the brand’s products. Analistas point out that iPhones last longer, which attracts buyers even with higher prices.
The iPhone 17 line recorded good acceptance. Promoções and subsidies helped support volume. The company managed inventories better in the face of global component constraints.
- iPhone 17 maintained aggressive prices in some configurations with more storage
- Programas for exchanging old devices gained traction in stores
- Foco on premium models helped protect revenue per unit sold
- Supply chain Gestão avoided major shortages
Huawei consolidates its position as leader in the ranking
Huawei grew 2% in shipments. The company offered both high-end and entry-level options. The Enjoy 90 series recorded good performance in the more affordable segment.
With a 20% share, the Chinese brand was ahead of Apple. The performance came from consistent demand across different price points. The company also benefited from lines that escaped some of the pressure on components.
The result reinforces Huawei’s strength in the domestic market. The company invests in local production and diversifies suppliers. Isso reduces exposure to external cost variations.
Xiaomi registers sharp drop and loses positions
Xiaomi dropped 35% in shipments. The brand dropped to sixth place. The high base effect weighed down. In the previous year, price cuts and subsidies inflated volume.
The company adjusts the portfolio. The focus is now on core regions and premium models. Ainda thus, the quarter brought greater challenge for Xiaomi compared to rivals.
Outros manufacturers also felt the impact. Oppo fell 5%. Honor fell 3%. Vivo, in turn, advanced 2%, driven by holiday sales from Ano Novo Lunar.
Chinese Mercado faces continued pressure in Q2
Analistas predict additional difficulties in the coming months. Chinese Marcas plans new price adjustments. The objective is to protect margins in a scenario where chips are still expensive.
Apple and Huawei should continue to perform relatively better. Demand for Huawei devices in the lower range could drive extra volume. The Apple continues with strength in premium models.
The sector as a whole is dealing with lower consumer appetite. Fatores External factors such as logistical costs and economic uncertainties contribute to the picture. Fabricantes seek to balance supply and demand without losing profitability.
Ficha technical of the quarter on China
- Overall Queda 4% on smartphone shipments
- Apple with 20% growth and 19% market share
- Huawei leads with 2% rise and 20% share
- Xiaomi drops 35% and goes to sixth place
- Vivo advances 2% with support from seasonal sales
Counterpoint Research tracks performance month by month. The preliminary report considers data from shipments to retail and official channels. Novas updates should come out in the coming weeks as more numbers are consolidated.
Apple’s performance draws attention as it occurs in a challenging quarter. The company maintains a high perceived value strategy. Isso includes integrated ecosystem and long software updates.
Especialistas note that the Chinese market remains strategic for large players. Qualquer price movement or promotion can quickly change positions. For now, Apple’s resilience stands out.