Apple Postpones iPhone Air Launch in China Amid Regulatory Hurdles
Apple has established an impressive foothold during China’s Singles’ Day shopping extravaganza, seizing 26% of the nation’s smartphone market share and surpassing local competitors Huawei and Xiaomi, as reported by Counterpoint.
This year’s iPhone 17 series showcased one of Apple’s most robust performances in China in recent years, significantly bolstering overall smartphone sales by 3% amidst a climate of consumer hesitance in the electronics sector.
The compelling figures highlight Apple’s enduring brand allure in a marketplace characterized by economic strains—from an extended downturn in real estate to diminishing income prospects—which have curtailed consumer discretionary spending.
Counterpoint emphasized that in the absence of Apple’s substantial contribution, smartphone sales during Singles’ Day would have plummeted by 5%, as the wider market appeared to be “drained of momentum.”
The 2025 Singles’ Day shopping season culminated on November 11, with aggregate sales across all platforms reaching an impressive 1.70 trillion yuan, a notable increase from the previous year’s 1.44 trillion yuan.
Nonetheless, despite this upward trend, analysts observed a subdued enthusiasm among consumers, who opted for essential items and established brands over experimental upgrades.
Apple’s impressive results came against the backdrop of domestic manufacturers grappling with the challenge of converting promotional activity into actual sales. Huawei experienced a striking decline, with its market share dwindling from 17% to 13%.
Analysts attributed this downturn partly to the delayed launch of its flagship Mate 80, which missed the critical discount period. Concurrently, Xiaomi retained a 17% market share but also witnessed a year-over-year decrease in unit sales, following the premature launch of its Xiaomi 17 range.
Bloomberg noted that sales for the iPhone 17 surged by more than 10% year-over-year in both the U.S. and Chinese markets, signaling that Apple’s latest offerings—inclusive of the ultra-sleek iPhone Air—have effectively encouraged consumers to upgrade amidst economic uncertainty.
Long lines at Apple outlets in major Chinese cities highlighted the considerable demand, with many users opting for new devices after extended utilization of older models.
The diverse array of Apple’s product lineup was instrumental to its success. The four-model iPhone 17 family permitted the company to cater to different pricing segments while marketing its premium products as sustainable investments.
Analysts observed that this positioning resonated with Chinese consumers, who prioritize durability and software support over ephemeral discounts.
For local smartphone manufacturers, the Singles’ Day outcomes underscored challenges that transcend a single shopping event.
Huawei’s downturn rekindled discussions regarding inventory management and the sustainability of its flagship-centric approach, while Xiaomi’s premature product releases may necessitate a reevaluation of its timing strategies to better synchronize with China’s significant retail occurrences.
Source link: Btimesonline.com.
