iPhone 16 sales have surged by 20 per cent in China during its first three weeks on the market compared to last year’s model.
The uptick in China rebound for Apple in the world’s largest smartphone market. According to data from Counterpoint Research provided to Bloomberg News, the iPhone 16’s launch in September has shown better performance than its predecessor.
The sales increase is particularly notable in the higher-priced Pro and Pro Max models, which have seen a 44 percent rise compared to last year. Despite the competitive pressure from Huawei Technologies’ Mate 60 series, which features a made-in-China processor, Apple’s new model is gaining ground.
Counterpoint analyst Ivan Lam commented on the improved production and consistent pricing strategy, which have contributed to the strong growth of the iPhone 16 series in the Chinese market. He noted, “The product mix has also improved markedly.”
Apple shares reached a record high this week, driven by enthusiasm for the new AI-powered iPhones. Although analysts had initially expressed concerns about the iPhone 16’s performance in China due to the lack of a local AI partner, the initial sales figures have been promising. Beijing’s restrictions on foreign-developed AI models suggest Apple might need to partner with a local firm like Baidu Inc.
Despite a successful launch, the iPhone 16 faces stiff competition from local brands. Vivo recently unveiled its X200 Pro flagship, and Huawei is set to release its next-generation Mate device in November. Additionally, Xiaomi and Oppo are planning to update their product lines by the end of the year.
For Apple, the iPhone remains a pivotal product, accounting for about half of the company’s sales and helping to drive demand for accessories and subscription services. However, the smartphone market has shown little growth in recent years, and the full impact of the iPhone 16’s release remains uncertain.
Following a challenging 2023, where China’s economy struggled post-Covid and a deepening property crisis in 2024, some consumers may delay major purchases until the Singles’ Day discounts in November, offered by retailers like Alibaba Group Holding and JD.com, as suggested by Lam.
