Apple’s iPhone 17 Series Boosts Shipments in China Amid Market Slowdown
Apple’s latest flagship lineup, the iPhone 17 series, is giving the company a lift in China’s otherwise sluggish smartphone market. According to new data from research firm IDC, Apple’s shipments in China rose 0.6% year-on-year to 10.8 million units in the third quarter of 2025.
This growth, though modest, positions Apple as the second-largest smartphone vendor in China for the period, capturing a 15.8% market share. The overall Chinese smartphone market, however, contracted by 0.6% year-on-year to 68.4 million units, indicating that Apple’s gains came despite broader industry stagnation.
Apple Defies Market Decline
In contrast to the overall decline, Apple was the only brand among China’s top three smartphone vendors to record positive shipment growth during Q3 2025.
IDC’s senior smartphone analyst Will Wong credited the success to Apple’s strategic pricing and the strong performance of the iPhone 17 base model, describing it as a “value-for-money option” that resonated with value-seeking Chinese consumers.
This marks a turnaround from previous quarters, as Apple climbed in ranking thanks to its ability to balance premium appeal with accessible pricing in a market known for price sensitivity.
Competitors See Declines
While Apple managed to inch upward, competitors faced dips in shipment volumes:
- Vivo, the market leader, saw shipments fall 7.8% year-on-year to 11.8 million units.
- Huawei recorded a 1% decline to 10.4 million units, dropping it to third place.
- Xiaomi experienced a 1.7% fall, shipping 10 million units and landing in fourth place.
The data highlights a tightening battle among China’s top smartphone makers, with only narrow gaps separating the top four.
Market Outlook
IDC’s data also revealed that while the overall market contraction in Q3 (–0.6%) was milder than Q2’s (–4%), demand recovery remains slow due to economic uncertainty and longer upgrade cycles among consumers.
Still, Apple’s steady performance, powered by the iPhone 17’s improved performance, design, and pricing strategy, suggests a strong foothold in the world’s largest smartphone market heading into the holiday quarter.
Key Takeaway
Apple’s ability to grow shipments in a shrinking market underscores the success of its iPhone 17 strategy in balancing innovation and affordability. With other major brands struggling, Apple’s resilience may set the tone for the next phase of China’s smartphone competition.
