iPhone shipments in China fell by 28%, according to new data from Canalys. The research group says the iPhone 11 saved the decline from being even worse.
Apple maintained the number five position among smartphone vendors in China, thanks to the immediate boost of iPhone 11 launches in September, which accounted for nearly 40% of the tech giant’s third quarter shipments, according to Canalys.
“Apple is more prepared than previous years to face strong headwinds in China,” says analyst Louis Liu. “Its iPhone 11 models focused on camera improvements, which proved desirable to Chinese consumers. More importantly, a lower launch price of iPhone 11 and a more flexible channel margin structure for local distribution on the new devices, were critical market stimuli for Apple. However, it faces a looming challenge, as Chinese vendors and operators are set to drive heavy marketing and promotions around 5G in the next two quarters. This could steal its thunder.”
Ahead of Apple in the Chinese smartphone market are Huawei (24.9% market share), Vivo (22.6% market share), Oppo (21.1% market share), and Xiamo (13.1% market share). According to Canalys, Apple’s iPhone had 7% market share in quarter three.
