The first quarter (Q1) of 2023 saw the lowest Q1 sales figure for China since 2014, according to Counterpoint Research. Despite the market downturn, Apple reached its highest Q1 share and sales in years, adds the research group.
iPhone 14 series prices have been reduced at some channels since February. In Q1 2023, Apple recorded the biggest share in the China smartphone market, increasing sales by 6% year-over-year in a declining market. The iPhone maker’s market share in Q1 came to 19.9%, its highest Q1 share since 2014, while its sales were also the highest Q1 sales since 2015.
On the other hand, sales of smartphone manufacturers excluding Apple dropped 8% year-over-year as demand remained weak. Looking ahead, Counterpoint says the year-over-year declines are expected to narrow in quarter two thanks to mid-to-high-end product launches and sales season promotions.
