Huawei trumps Apple in China as iPhone sales decline 18.2%

Huawei has been the top smartphone brand with a strong 18.1% market share in Q4 2024 in China, ahead of Xiaomi with 17.2% and Apple at 17.1%, noted the Counterpoint’s Market Pulse Service

Huawei has been the top smartphone brand with a strong 18.1% market share in Q4 2024 in China, ahead of Xiaomi with 17.2% and Apple at 17.1%, noted the Counterpoint’s Market Pulse Service. It is also important to note that Apple’s sales declined 18.2% year-over-year (YoY) in the Chinese market.

“In Q4 2024, Huawei climbed to the top spot with an 18.1% share. This is the first time since the US ban that Huawei regained the leading position. Huawei’s sales increased 15.5% YoY driven by the launch of the mid-end Nova 13 series and high-end Mate 70 series,” said Senior Research Analyst Mengmeng Zhang.

Overall, China’s smartphone sales declined 3.2% YoY in Q4 2024, marking the only quarter in 2024 to see a YoY decline.

Xiaomi secured the second spot in Q4 2024 with a 17.2% market share, driven by strong growth from Q3 into Q4. This growth was fueled by the popularity of its flagship Mi 15 series, launched in October, the research firm said.

(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)

“Xiaomi made significant progress in premiumisation this year. Besides, the success of Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) venture has further enhanced its brand image and contributed to a boost in its smartphone sales.”

In 2024 overall, China’s smartphone sales increased 1.5% YoY, compared to a 1.4% YoY decline in 2023. Vivo ranked first with a market share of 17.8%, followed by Huawei (16.3%) and Xiaomi (15.7%).