Institution: Apple is the only growth brand in China's mobile phone market in January

According to Bloomberg on February 12, recent data from research firm Counterpoint Research shows that in January 2026, the overall sales of the Chinese smartphone market declined by 23% year-over-year, with Apple being the only brand to achieve positive growth.

Counterpoint Research analysts believe that amid the overall 23% decline, domestic brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo all experienced declines, mainly due to reduced subsidies, consumer sentiment, and the upcoming Spring Festival.

However, the iPhone 17 series helped Apple defy the trend with an 8% increase, boosting its market share to about 20%, tying it with Huawei for the market lead.

Since launching the new iPhone in September last year, Apple’s flagship iPhone sales have rebounded strongly.

The research team stated, “Apple stands out as the only major brand to achieve year-over-year growth, reaching its highest market share in the past five years in January. Some versions of the standard iPhone 17 qualify for government subsidies, enhancing its value for money and driving a 9% month-over-month increase in sales.”

They added that so far, the pricing of the iPhone 17 series remains firm, with almost no discounts or price cuts, leaving room for future price adjustments or profit optimization. Considering that this month’s Lunar New Year will be a key period for seasonal shopping, other brands are expected to launch intensive promotions, which could lead to a new wave of market fluctuations.

They further noted that the discounts or price reductions on the iPhone 17 series have been modest so far, leaving space for further adjustments or profit margin improvements. They also mentioned that other brands have not yet entered the most intense promotional phase, and this month’s Lunar New Year will be the main event for seasonal shopping.