As Apple eagerly launched its iPhone 15 lineup, industry analysts noted a surprising dip in demand for the new models, particularly in the crucial Chinese market. Reports from Counterpoint Research revealed a 4.5% decline in iPhone 15 sales in China compared to the iPhone 14’s performance in the first two weeks after its launch.
This downturn in sales is attributed to several factors, including a floundering Chinese economy, challenges in the housing market, and increasing competition among high-end smartphone vendors in China. Notably, Huawei’s recent release of the Mate 60 smartphone line has garnered significant attention, with strong customer demand affecting Apple’s market share in the region.
Financial firm Jefferies reported a double-digit percentage drop in iPhone 15 sales in China following the success of Huawei’s Mate 60. While Apple’s shares experienced a modest 0.08% decline in response to the news, the impact of this shift in market dynamics is being closely monitored.
Jeff Fieldhack, Research Director at Counterpoint, highlighted the role of nationalism in influencing consumer choices. “Chinese consumers who think they’ve been wronged by the US government and sanctions are gravitating toward the Mate 60, and that is edging into Apple volumes,” he explained.
Despite this setback, China remains a critical market for Apple, standing as its largest market outside the United States. Fieldhack expressed skepticism about Huawei surpassing Apple in smartphone sales immediately but anticipated continued pressure on Apple’s numbers due to sustained interest in the Mate 60.
“Apple made a lot of gains during its launch period last year, where it became number one in China,” noted Fieldhack. “Things looked strong but now, with the political tension and competition, that is a reason for concern.”
In contrast to the Chinese market, the iPhone 15 lineup has shown resilience in the United States, recording a year-over-year growth of approximately 10%, as reported by Counterpoint. This positive performance is particularly notable considering Apple’s sales had experienced a decline for three consecutive quarters leading up to the iPhone 15 launch.
The iPhone 15 devices boast a slimmer design, an advanced main camera system, and a customizable Action button. One significant change is the adoption of a USB-C charging cord, marking the end of an 11-year era with Apple’s proprietary Lightning charging cable.
This recent development underscores the complexities of the global smartphone market, where geopolitical tensions and competition among industry giants can swiftly influence consumer preferences and impact sales figures. Apple now faces the challenge of navigating these headwinds while maintaining its strong global presence.