India has overtaken the United States to become the world’s second-largest 5G smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research. This growth is fueled by strong sales from brands like Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi, particularly in the budget segment. The adoption of 5G technology is accelerating, with over half of all handsets shipped in the first half of 2024 being 5G-enabled.
Apple’s smartphone sales in China have taken a significant hit, dropping by 19.1% in the first quarter of 2024. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reported this decline in a recent analysis, outlining the challenges faced by the iPhone maker in a market where local rivals have gained traction. Huawei, a key competitor to Apple in China’s premium smartphone segment, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with its sales soaring by 69.7% year-on-year. This growth is attributed to the successful launch of Huawei’s 5G-capable Mate 60 series, equipped with an innovative chip. Apple’s market share in China has also been impacted, falling from first place to third, behind Chinese brands Vivo and Honor, formerly a subsidiary of Huawei. This sharp decline in Apple’s sales marks its worst performance in the Chinese smartphone market since 2020, highlighting the challenges the company faces as local competitors gain ground.
In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China dropped significantly by 19.1% year-over-year, while Huawei witnessed an impressive 69.7% increase, primarily due to the launch of their Mate 60 series. Huawei’s growth reflects the intensified competition in China’s premium smartphone segment, where Apple previously enjoyed a strong position.
