The latest flagship iPhone 13 series launched with subtle but significant changes in September this year and more importantly, the new series launched at a time when other smartphone manufacturers are facing supply constraints challenges due to the global chip shortage. Luckily for Apple, new features and lack of competing smartphone models propelled iPhone 13 series success in one of the biggest markets in the world, China.
Counterpoint Research’s new market study reveals that driven by iPhone 13’s success Apple became the #1 smartphone brand in China for the first time since December 2015. Before the launch, pre-orders for the latest iPhone series crossed over 5 million in China within a couple of days. Recently, on the ‘Singles Day’ sales event, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com sold over $15 million worth of iPhones in just two seconds which illustrates the strong demand for iPhones is strong in China.
The success of the iPhone 13 series led to 46% MoM growth that made Apple overtake Vivo in China
As per the report, Apple sales grew by 46% MoM which enabled the Cupertino tech giant to surpass Vivo in October 2021 and become the largest smartphone brand in China. This is the first time Apple has regained its market position in the country since December 2015.
Driven by the iPhone 13 series, Apple’s sales grew 46% MoM, the highest among all major OEMs in the country. In comparison, China’s smartphone market grew only 2% MoM in October. Apple’s stellar show came at a time when many consumers were delaying their purchases ahead of the Singles’ Day sales in November. Other key OEMs saw MoM declines in their October sales.
Research Director Tarun Pathak at the research firm said that the decline of Huawei in China has changed the dynamics of China’s smartphone market.
OPPO became #1 in January 2021 while vivo attained the top position in March 2021. The market dynamics in changed again in October with Apple becoming the new #1 OEM for the first since December 2015. This was driven by the success of the iPhone 13 series, which was also launched cheaper than the iPhone 12 series in China.
Furthermore, Counterpoint’s Senior Analyst Varun Mishra said that in the face of supply shortages, smartphone manufacturers prioritized high-end and higher-margin devices because of consumers buying trends.
Due to supply issues, the normal wait time for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max ranges between four and five weeks in China. Some Chinese customers choose to pay premiums to get the new phones delivered immediately…. It indicates that Chinese smartphone users are maturing fast and are looking to buy more high-end devices, which can be a good opportunity for brands.
