Apple Tops China Smartphone Market After iPhone 18 Pro Launch, Captures 33% Share
According to a report from Counterpoint Research released on Wednesday, Apple has ascended to the top of China's smartphone market following the launch of its iPhone 18 Pro series on September 18. In the first three days after its release, sales of the new Pro models exceeded those of the iPhone 17 Pro series by 12 percent during its entire first week last year. This surge in sales secured Apple a dominant 33 percent market share for the week of September 14 to 20. The impressive start could provide a boost to a smartphone market struggling with low consumer demand and rising component prices. Senior analyst Ivan Lam suggested that the delayed release of the standard iPhone 18 may have encouraged consumers to opt for the Pro models. Additionally, he observed that price increases of over US$200 for many flagship Chinese smartphones might have enhanced the iPhone's perceived value.
Key facts
- Apple claimed the top spot in China's smartphone market after releasing the iPhone 18 Pro series
- The iPhone 18 Pro series launched on September 18
- First-three-day sales of the new Pro models were 12 per cent higher than the iPhone 17 Pro line-up's entire first week last year
- Apple captured 33 per cent of the market for the week of September 14 to 20
- The report was published on Wednesday by Counterpoint Research
- China's handset market is weighed down by weak consumer demand and soaring component costs
- The delayed launch of the base iPhone 18 may have driven some consumers to trade up to the Pro series, according to Ivan Lam
- Price hikes of over US$200 on many Chinese flagship models may have raised the price anchor, strengthening the iPhone's relative value proposition
Entities
Artists
- Ivan Lam
Institutions
- Apple
- Counterpoint Research
Locations
- China