Apple Remains Fifth in China Despite iPhone Growth, Huawei Returns to Top Spot [Report]

Apple shipped 10.1 million iPhones in mainland China during the second quarter of 2025, placing it fifth in the region's smartphone market, according to a new report from Canalys. The overall market saw a 4% year-over-year decline, with Huawei reclaiming the top spot.

While Apple landed in fifth with a 15% market share, its shipments grew 4% year-over-year. Huawei took first place with 12.2 million units shipped and an 18% share, followed by vivo with 11.8 million, OPPO with 10.7 million, and Xiaomi with 10.4 million units.




Canalys attributes the market's slight downturn to a reshaped seasonality driven by a national subsidy program earlier in the year. "Despite the slowdown, underlying consumer demand remained resilient, with first-half shipments slightly increasing year-on-year," said Amber Liu, Practice Leader at Canalys. She added that major e-commerce platforms launched earlier promotions for the "618" shopping festival to sustain momentum.

During the quarter, Apple strategically adjusted its pricing for the new iPhone 16 series, a move that another report said helped it top the 618 shopping festival. However, Canalys noted that its "early momentum was hampered by national subsidy eligibility issues due to its higher price points." The fifth-place finish marks a continuation from the first quarter, when Apple also ranked fifth with a 9% decline in shipments.

Looking ahead, Canalys notes that the market is on track for modest full-year growth. "With much of the demand pulled forward in H1 by subsidies, vendors now face the challenge of maintaining upgrade momentum," Liu said. "Going forward, success will hinge on delivering product innovation and clear differentiation to capture consumer interest."

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