Apple’s most recent announcement beats the early results of its predecessor, indicating a recovery in the cutthroat Chinese market.
According to statistics from Counterpoint Research released by Bloomberg News, Apple’s iPhone 16 has seen a 20% rise in sales in China just one month after going on sale, exceeding the iPhone 15’s initial sales results in 2023.
This development suggests that Apple may make a resurgence in the largest smartphone market in the world, where it has struggled to gain traction.
Sales of the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models have increased by 44% over the previous year, indicating their popularity.
Ivan Lam, a counterpoint analyst, credits Apple’s steady pricing, effective manufacturing, and robust early user adoption for this increase. This promising beginning contrasts with the iPhone 15’s launch, which was hindered by Huawei’s Mate 60 competition and production delays.
Despite its strong start, Apple faces fierce competition in the market
Apple benefits from this surge in sales, but in order to maintain the pace, it must fend off competition from regional manufacturers like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Huawei.
With over 2.9 million pre-orders for its tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT, Huawei grabbed headlines last month. Vivo unveiled its X200 series phone earlier this month. In order to maintain pressure on Apple, Xiaomi and Oppo are also anticipated to update their flagship lineups by the end of the year.
Apple’s stock price is still trading in the same range as it did yesterday, suggesting that its early sales performance in China has not affected it.
This might alter, though, if the iPhone 16’s introduction of Apple Intelligence, which is set for release in the upcoming weeks, results in higher sales.
With about half of all sales coming from the iPhone, the device continues to be a key component of Apple’s revenue strategy. Although early results are encouraging, the iPhone 16 will be put to the test in a big way as Apple negotiates a more crowded and cutthroat Chinese market.
