New research shows that Apple's iPhone sales in China rose 46 percent in October 2021 compared to the previous month, making the company the largest smartphone maker in the country.
After Counterpoint Research previously reported that Apple dominated global smartphone sales and could do so in Europe as well, the company now declares that the iPhone 13 dominates in China. Analysts at the market research firm say iPhone 13 sales grew 46 percent in October 2021, while the overall Chinese smartphone market achieved only 2 percent growth. Research Director Tarun Pathak writes:
Apple could have grown even more if it hadn't experienced shortages, especially in the Pro versions. But Apple still manages its supply chain better than other OEMs.
Apple iPhone: “Supply chain prioritizes higher-value and higher-margin devices”
Pathak notes that the top position in China has “kept changing hands” since Huawei’s demise.
Market dynamics in China changed again in October, when Apple became the number one OEM for the first time since December 2015. This was driven by the success of the iPhone 13 series, which was also launched cheaper in China than the iPhone 12 series.
Senior Analyst Varun Mishra further explains:
Overall, the Chinese market has been developing slowly throughout the year and Apple's growth is a positive sign. It shows that Chinese smartphone users are maturing quickly and want to buy more high-end devices, which can be a good opportunity for brands. The supply chain is also prioritizing higher-end and higher-margin devices in the face of shortages.
Separately, it has been reported that Apple is having difficulty producing enough iPads and iPhones to meet demand in Asia due to the shortages. This makes the next quarterly figures, which are expected in January, all the more exciting. (Photo by zatletic / Bigstockphoto)
