Apple is the only major phone maker declining in China

Apple’s China troubles keep abounding. While the company’s main concern is an ongoing trade war between the US and China, where most Apple products are manufactured, iPhone sales are another big struggle. And a new report on Q1 smartphone sales in China shows things are getting worse. High iPhone prices, lack of AI, and targeted subsidy program likely led to Apple’s poor China performance IDC just published a report on China’s smartphone sales for Q1 2025, and Apple is the only major phone maker that declined year-over-year. As the chart below shows, Apple came in fifth place in shipments and market share. It was also the only company in the top five who saw sales decline, with China-based Xiaomi and Huawei seeing double-digit growth. What’s the reason for the decline? Per Tim Cook during the company’s last quarterly earnings report, the lack of Apple Intelligence may be a factor. But there are likely other key factors at play. From an IDC analyst: “The US-China tensions have fue ... Read full article.