ISLAMABAD: Sales of foreign-branded mobile phones in China showed a slight increase in April, signaling a modest recovery after a slow start to the year.
According to data released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), shipments of foreign-brand smartphones, including Apple’s iPhones, rose to 3.52 million units in April, up from 3.50 million units in the same month last year.
This small growth reflects a positive shift after a challenging first quarter, during which Apple experienced a 9% drop in sales within China, the world’s largest smartphone market.
Apple remains the dominant foreign mobile phone brand in China, so its performance heavily influences overall foreign-brand sales figures in the country.
Apple Faces Growing Competition and Price Pressure
Apple’s recent sales boost comes amid intensifying competition from local Chinese smartphone manufacturers. To maintain its market share, Apple has been offering significant price reductions.
For example, Chinese e-commerce platforms have been providing discounts of up to 2,530 yuan (approximately $351) on the latest iPhone 16 models earlier this month, making the devices more affordable and attractive to consumers.
This price adjustment strategy reflects the challenges Apple faces in China’s highly competitive smartphone landscape, where domestic brands are rapidly innovating and expanding their market presence.
Market Outlook and Consumer Trends
While the increase in foreign-branded phone sales in April is encouraging, the market remains dynamic and unpredictable. Apple’s ability to adapt pricing and marketing strategies will be crucial to maintaining its position. Meanwhile, domestic brands continue to grow stronger, pushing the entire industry toward faster innovation and more aggressive competition.
The slight rebound in foreign mobile phone shipments in China is a sign that consumer demand is stabilizing after recent fluctuations, but the coming months will be critical for foreign brands aiming to sustain growth.
