Apple’s smartphone shipments in China dropped by 9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to data from research firm IDC. The company shipped 9.8 million iPhones, bringing its market share down to 13.7%, a decline from 17.4% in the previous quarter.
This marks the seventh straight quarter of declining sales for Apple in the Chinese market. Among all major smartphone manufacturers, Apple was the only one to experience a decrease in shipments during the first quarter.
In contrast, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi saw its shipments surge by 40%, reaching 13.3 million units and strengthening its position as the market leader. Overall, the Chinese smartphone market grew by 3.3% during the same period.
Analysts point to Apple’s high pricing as a key reason it has struggled to keep pace. A new Chinese government subsidy program introduced in January offers consumers a 15% refund on smartphones and other electronics priced under 6,000 yuan (approximately $820). Apple’s premium-priced products largely fall outside this range, limiting its ability to benefit from the policy.
The data reflects growing challenges for Apple in one of its most important markets, as local competitors continue to expand their reach with more competitively priced devices.
