Demand for iPhones declines in China: sales fall for the fourth month in a row
Sales of iPhones in China declined for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting the overall downward trend in the country's smartphone market.
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Official data show that shipments of foreign smartphones, including iPhones, decreased by 47% compared to the same period last year. This decline is explained not only by a decline in demand for Apple products, but also by the overall market situation, where competition from Chinese brands, in particular Huawei, is growing.
The initiative to boycott foreign brands has started to gain popularity in China, partly due to the trade war between the US and China. It is noted that the iPhone is now perceived by some Chinese consumers as a symbol of "unnecessary" foreign products. Additionally, tensions over sanctions and restrictions on the supply of smartphone chips are worsening the situation for Apple.
The iPhone 16 series. Illustration: Purchase Licensing Rights
Huawei, which has recently resumed production of smartphones with 5G chips, has become a serious competitor for the iPhone. This has allowed the Chinese brand to regain a share of the premium smartphone market, which was previously almost entirely dominated by Apple.
To respond to the drop in sales, Apple has been forced to cut prices for its iPhone models in China. The company, which previously preferred unofficial discounts through intermediaries, eventually began to announce promotions and discounts on its devices.
In general, the decline in sales of foreign smartphone brands in China has been going on for several months.
Source: Reuters
