Apple is no longer the top smartphone brand in China as its sales declined 19% in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2024) amid competition from local companies, such as Huawei, a report has said. The iPhone maker’s market share in the world’s biggest smartphone market fell to 15.7% in the first quarter from 19.7% a year earlier even as the overall smartphone sales grew 1.5% YoY in Q1 2024.
According to a report by Counterpoint Research, Huawei stood out as the best performer among all OEMs during Q1 2024, growing 69.7% YoY denting iPhone sales by comeback and directly impacting the premium segment. However, it is not the top smartphone brand in the country as Vivo took the top spot followed by Honor and Apple.
“Apple’s sales were subdued during the quarter as Huawei’s comeback has directly impacted Apple in the premium segment. Besides, the replacement demand for Apple has been slightly subdued compared to previous years,” said senior research analyst Ivan Lam.
‘Recovery in iPhone sales possible’
According to Lam, iPhone sales may have a possibility of an iPhone recovery.
“We are seeing slow but steady improvement from week to week, so momentum could be shifting. For the second quarter, the possibility of new colour options combined with aggressive sales initiatives could bring the brand back into positive territory; and of course, we are waiting to see what its AI features will offer come WWDC in June. That has the potential to move the needle significantly longer term,” he added.
How Vivo, Honor, Oppo and Xiaomi performed
Vivo gained the top spot this quarter with 17.4% share driven by strong sales of the Y35 Plus and Y36 models in the low-end segment and the S18 in the mid-end segment.
Huawei’s growth was due the successful launch of the 5G-capable Mate 60 series that helped the company gain a massive share in the $600+ premium segment. Despite Huawei’s comeback, Honor still managed to grow 11.5% YoY in Q1 driven by its popular models, such as the X50 and Play 40, and its expansion in offline channels.
Overall China smartphone sales see growth
China’s smartphone sales grew 1.5% YoY and 4.6% QoQ in Q1 2024, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive YoY growth.
“The sales promotions during the Chinese New Year festivities were the biggest growth driver. The average weekly sales during the four weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year saw a robust growth of 20% when compared to a normal week,” added associate director Ethan Qi.
The research firm also claimed that the market is expected to see low single-digit YoY growth in 2024.
According to a report by Counterpoint Research, Huawei stood out as the best performer among all OEMs during Q1 2024, growing 69.7% YoY denting iPhone sales by comeback and directly impacting the premium segment. However, it is not the top smartphone brand in the country as Vivo took the top spot followed by Honor and Apple.
“Apple’s sales were subdued during the quarter as Huawei’s comeback has directly impacted Apple in the premium segment. Besides, the replacement demand for Apple has been slightly subdued compared to previous years,” said senior research analyst Ivan Lam.
‘Recovery in iPhone sales possible’
According to Lam, iPhone sales may have a possibility of an iPhone recovery.
“We are seeing slow but steady improvement from week to week, so momentum could be shifting. For the second quarter, the possibility of new colour options combined with aggressive sales initiatives could bring the brand back into positive territory; and of course, we are waiting to see what its AI features will offer come WWDC in June. That has the potential to move the needle significantly longer term,” he added.
How Vivo, Honor, Oppo and Xiaomi performed
Vivo gained the top spot this quarter with 17.4% share driven by strong sales of the Y35 Plus and Y36 models in the low-end segment and the S18 in the mid-end segment.
Expand
Overall China smartphone sales see growth
China’s smartphone sales grew 1.5% YoY and 4.6% QoQ in Q1 2024, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive YoY growth.
“The sales promotions during the Chinese New Year festivities were the biggest growth driver. The average weekly sales during the four weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year saw a robust growth of 20% when compared to a normal week,” added associate director Ethan Qi.
The research firm also claimed that the market is expected to see low single-digit YoY growth in 2024.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login