Apple Struggles in China: Domestic Brands Surge Amid Declining Market Share
In a rapidly changing smartphone market, Apple finds itself grappling with a significant decline in its market share in China. Once a dominant player, the tech giant has now slipped to the fifth position, as local manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Huawei capture the attention of consumers. This shift is not only a blow to Apple but also presents an opportunity for domestic brands to thrive, as they offer features and innovations that appeal to Chinese users more effectively than the iPhone.
Recent data shows that Apple's difficulties in the Chinese market have escalated, with the company experiencing a steep drop in popularity. With only 9.86% market share and falling behind competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei, the decline has raised eyebrows across the tech industry. The highly anticipated iPhone 16 was met with disappointment, particularly regarding the absence of Apple Intelligence—a major selling point that was not made available in China. As a result, tech enthusiasts in the region have shifted their focus to more appealing alternatives offered by local brands.
China's Smartphone Market in March: Xiaomi Leads in Market Share, Huawei Records Highest YoY Growth; Apple Drops to 5th with 9.86% Declinepic.twitter.com/iyQWKDtr4g
The absence of advanced AI features in the iPhone is only part of the story. China represents a vital market for Apple, and the factors shifting consumers away are multifaceted. Local brands are leveraging their positions by offering innovative technologies that resonate with the consumer base. Huawei, for example, continues to excel with its HarmonyOS, and its recent launch of the tri-foldable smartphone, the Huawei Mate XT, has garnered significant attention.
Promised Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16. | Video credit — Apple
