China’s smartphone sales in quarter three (Q3) 2022 declined 12.4% year-over-year (YoY) on weak demand. However, Apple took the crown in September in terms of market share growth, with its new iPhone series being launched a week earlier than usual, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research.
This also helped Apple reach its highest ever share of Q3 sales since 2016, tipping 15%. Counterpoint says that Android brands’ inventory eased following sales campaigns in the summer. The YoY decline should further narrow in quarter four with new smartphone launches, adds the research group.
“Apple’s sales saw a 6.8% YoY increase in Q3 2022. This can be mostly credited to the strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models and the new iPhone series being launched a week earlier than usual,” says Research Analyst Archie Zhang. “Besides, the American brand hasn’t faced a severe supply issue as it did in 2021.”
According to Counterpoint’s China Weekly Data, the demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max has remained strong going into October.
