Apple iPhone China Shipments Surge as Apple Reclaims Top Spot
Summary
Apple reclaimed the top smartphone position in China after a sharp rebound in iPhone shipments during the holiday quarter.
Market share gains point to renewed consumer demand despite a highly competitive Chinese handset market.
The data strengthens the near-term narrative around Apple’s China performance heading into 2026.
Apple iPhone China shipments surged 28% year over year in the holiday quarter, marking a strong turnaround for Apple in a market that has been under pressure. The shipment growth pushed Apple back into the top position by market share during Q4.
According to Counterpoint data, Apple’s China market share climbed to 21.8% in Q4’25, up from 16.8% a year earlier. That shift represents a meaningful gain in a market where small changes can signal broader consumer trends.
Apple iPhone China shipments benefited from strong holiday demand and a more favorable product mix. Premium models appear to have resonated with consumers despite ongoing pricing sensitivity in China.
The rebound is notable given the intense competition from domestic smartphone brands. Apple’s ability to grow share suggests brand strength remains intact even as local rivals push aggressive pricing and feature upgrades.
Apple iPhone China shipments also matter beyond unit sales, as China remains a critical contributor to Apple’s global revenue mix. Sustained momentum here can influence services growth, ecosystem engagement, and overall earnings stability.
From an investor perspective, the shipment data helps counter concerns about weakening demand in China. Apple’s holiday-quarter performance points to improving execution rather than structural market erosion.
While one quarter does not define a long-term trend, the data reinforces Apple’s relevance in the Chinese smartphone market. If Apple iPhone China shipments remain elevated into 2026, sentiment around regional growth could continue to improve.
