For the fourth consecutive month, iPhone sales in China have declined, reflecting a broader trend of reduced sales for all non-Chinese smartphone brands.
Recent official statistics indicate that shipments of foreign smartphones have plummeted by 47% compared to the previous year, which has prompted Apple to make the unusual choice of reducing prices on its current iPhone models within the nation.
Trends in iPhone Sales in China
Apple has faced significant hurdles regarding its iPhone sales in China, grappling with factors such as governmental pressure urging consumers towards domestic brands and the unexpected revival of Huawei as a top-tier smartphone contender.
The push against foreign brands have escalated in recent years, initially sparked by the U.S.-China trade conflict that began in 2019.
According to local reports, some consumers now view using an iPhone in China as somewhat embarrassing. The combined effects of the trade war initiated by the Trump administration and the export restrictions on Huawei have further bolstered the ‘Boycott Apple’ sentiment among the public.
For some time, Apple was shielded from competition due to the U.S.’s ban on exporting 5G chips to China, which hindered Huawei’s ability to offer compelling alternatives to the iPhone. However, in 2023, Huawei succeeded in sourcing its own 5G chips, enabling it to re-enter the competitive landscape against Apple.
While Apple has been hesitant to announce official discounts, opting instead to provide reduced prices through third-party retailers, it did initiate marked discounts on iPhones starting in 2022, with a series of promotions ongoing since. The latest promotion is set to launch at the beginning of the new year.
Declining Sales of Foreign Smartphones
The downward trend in sales is not exclusive to Apple. A recent report from Reuters highlights that overall sales of non-Chinese smartphone brands have continued to decrease.
Shipments of foreign-branded smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone, saw a significant decline of 47.4% in November compared to the same month last year, according to data released by a government-associated research organization, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline.
This trend follows an already troubling 44.25% year-on-year drop in shipments observed in October, continuing the downward spiral in the world’s largest smartphone market.
