Apple Bucks China’s Smartphone Decline With 23% Sales Jump

Apple saw a year-over-year increase in iPhone sales in China of 23% in the first nine weeks of 2026, far outstripping the broader market decline caused by weak demand and rising component costs, according to Counterpoint Research.

Smartphone sales in China apparently fell 4% year-on-year in the first nine weeks of 2026. During this period, Apple emerged as the fastest growing seller, with iPhone sales increasing by 23% compared to the same period in 2025. the purchase of electrical appliances is encouraged.

Counterpoint noted that rising memory component costs have been passed on to retailers, forcing several Android brands to adjust their pricing strategies. Chinese smartphone makers OPPO and vivo have announced significant price increases for some of their existing models, with those changes taking effect this month.

In contrast, Apple has not announced any comparable price increases and is unlikely to follow competitors in raising prices, instead drawing margin pressure from higher component costs to maintain price stability. The company added that Apple’s control over its supply chain leaves it in a better position than competitors to withstand rising memory costs.

Rising memory prices are expected to continue through 2026. The research firm expects China’s smartphone market to remain under pressure in the coming months, with a potential boost in June driven by the country’s mid-year “618” shopping festival. Counterpoint’s findings are based on its China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker, which monitors smartphone sales across the market.