iPhone shipments in China are expected to drop further this year, partly because of rising competition from domestic brands, according to market research firm IDC, as Apple faces growing headwinds in the world’s largest smartphone market.
The exclusion of most iPhone models for a Chinese government subsidy programme aimed at consumer electronics priced under 6,000 yuan (US$818) also contributed to this decline, IDC said.
In contrast, total smartphone shipments in China were expected to grow 3 per cent this year, as government subsidies boosted demand for Android handsets, analysts said.
The projected decrease in iPhone shipments underscores the mounting difficulties Apple has faced in China in recent years. Competition from local manufacturers has intensified, particularly with Huawei’s resurgence in the premium smartphone segment in 2023.
