Beijing — Apple iPhones in China returned to the number one position in the country’s smartphone market in May 2025, based on the latest data from Counterpoint Research. The brand experienced a 15% year-over-year rise in global shipments for April and May combined, marking the strongest two-month performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
iPhone Price Cuts Drive Strong Demand
The growth in sales was largely attributed to significant discounts on Apple iPhones in China, particularly for the iPhone 16 series. Certain models were marked down by as much as 2,530 yuan (around USD 350) on major e-commerce platforms. This pricing approach helped Apple boost sales volume despite stiff competition from domestic manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi.
“Apple’s demand rebound was most notable in China and the United States,” stated Ivan Lam, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint. “There were also double-digit increases in India, Japan, and across the Middle East.”
Signs of Market Stabilization
In 2025, China’s mobile phone industry is beginning to bounce back, showing initial signs of stabilization. Data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) reveals that shipments of foreign smartphone brands reached 3.52 million units in April—just surpassing the 3.50 million units from the same month in 2024.
Despite this upward trend, Ivan Lam noted that Apple’s long-term growth remains closely linked to how well it performs in its two core markets: China and the United States.
Positive Outlook for the Remainder of the Year
Apple’s strong performance in May could pave the way for a robust second half of 2025. Analysts predict the company will continue to benefit from expanded 5G adoption, high brand loyalty in its key markets, and its emphasis on premium devices.
As Apple gears up for its next major product release, the regained market share of Apple iPhones in China may play a pivotal role in reaching the company’s global sales objectives for 2025.
