Apple experienced a 5% decline in iPhone sales in the final quarter of 2024, losing market share to fast-growing Chinese competitors in its second-largest market globally.
Data from Counterpoint Research revealed that Apple’s market share dropped to 18%, while the global smartphone market saw a 4% overall growth.
This decline reflects mounting challenges for Apple in China, where Android-based competitors like Xiaomi and Vivo are rapidly expanding their presence.
Samsung, another major player in the global smartphone industry, also ceded market share to Chinese manufacturers during the same period.
These rivals have leveraged their localized strategies, competitive pricing, and innovation to attract a growing consumer base. In contrast, Apple has faced hurdles in integrating advanced technologies, such as Apple Intelligence, into its offerings in the region.
For the entire year, Apple’s sales dropped by 2%, underlining the increasing pressure from Chinese brands that continue to dominate the market with aggressive growth strategies.
The lack of a strong partnership for AI-driven advancements in China has also hindered Apple’s ability to compete effectively in a market where innovation and affordability are key drivers of consumer preference.
