In terms of Apple’s activities in the Chinese smartphone market, the second quarter of this year was characterized by the elimination of the company from the top five players, but even a few days of sales of the new iPhone 16 family were enough for the company to take second place. Third quarter according to new IDC statistics.

Vivo continues to lead the Chinese smartphone market with an 18.6% share, supported by a 21.5% year-on-year increase in shipments. Although Apple returned to the top five, it still reduced the volume of smartphone shipments in the Chinese market by 0.3% for the year. Its share decreased from 16.1 percent to 15.6 percent compared to the third quarter of last year. As IDC noted, the popularity of iPhone 16 family smartphones in the third quarter was approximately at the same level as last year’s predecessors. At best, the company’s efforts to promote its products in the market and the launch of the Apple Intelligence feature in a version adapted for Chinese consumers may further increase the demand for the iPhone 16 in the future.

Overall, smartphone sales volume in the Chinese market increased by 3.2% year on year to 68.8 million units in the third quarter. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of sustained growth, indicating pent-up demand in this region. Over the past three years, buyers have had to postpone purchasing new smartphones for one reason or another. Sales of devices running Google Android in the Chinese market increased by 3.8% in the third quarter.

Huawei’s smartphone shipments in the Chinese market have increased by double-digit percentages for four consecutive quarters. The launch of the world’s first tri-foldable smartphone will help continue this trend. The company ranks third; Its share of the Chinese market increased from 11.1% to 15.3% during the year, and smartphone sales volume increased by 42%, the strongest among the top five market participants.

Xiaomi, in fourth place, increased its share from 13.6% to 14.8%, while the delivery volume of its smartphones increased by 12.8%. Honor, whose volume decreased by 22.5% and market share from 19.4% to 14.6%, is in the top five. However, in the segment of complex smartphones, the brand’s products take second place in the Chinese market. IDC representatives believe that the Chinese market should maintain its positive dynamics in the fourth quarter. A traditional sale has been taking place on Chinese trading platforms, especially since November.