GoKawiilCounterpoint Research: iPhone 18 Pro tops China smartphone sales in launch week
Counterpoint Research's China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker found the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max drove Apple to a 33% share of China's smartphone market in Week 38, making it the top-selling brand. The Pro series saw 12% year-on-year sales growth in its first three days, reversing a 17% decline in overall Chinese smartphone sales since July.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Counterpoint attributes the surge to three factors: the delayed launch of the base iPhone 18 pushing buyers toward the Pro models, Apple absorbing some rising component costs to keep pricing competitive against other premium phones, and aggressive retailer and carrier promotion. This suggests Apple may be gaining ground in a contracting Chinese market, though it remains unclear whether the momentum will hold once the standard iPhone 18 launches.
- iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max gave Apple a 33% share of China's smartphone market in Week 38.
- Pro series sales grew 12% YoY in their first three days despite a broader 17% market decline since July.
- Counterpoint cites delayed base model launch, pricing strategy, and heavy channel promotion as key drivers.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — If you're drawn in by the buzz around the iPhone 18 Pro's strong China launch, it's worth checking out for yourself given its apparent popularity and refined Pro-level features. It's a flagship pick for anyone wanting the latest camera, performance, and display upgrades from Apple's current lineup.
See Apple iPhone 18 Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Ben Lovejoy, 2026-10-01
Published there as: “The iPhone 18 Pro is selling well in China for three reasons”
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