Apple's iPhone Achieves Growth Amidst Market Decline in China
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: seekingalpha
- Market Share Growth: According to Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone achieved an 8% sales growth in January, raising its market share to approximately 20%, sharing the lead with Huawei, indicating strong performance in a competitive landscape.
- Overall Market Decline: The Chinese smartphone market saw a 23% decline, primarily due to reduced subsidies and a shift in Lunar New Year timing; however, Apple stood out as the only major brand to achieve year-on-year growth thanks to the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
- Government Subsidy Boost: The iPhone 17 base model now qualifies for government subsidies, enhancing its value-for-money appeal and driving a 9% month-on-month sales increase, further solidifying Apple's position in the Chinese market.
- Flexible Pricing Strategy: Currently, the iPhone 17 series has seen few discounts or price cuts, leaving room for future price adjustments and margin optimization, indicating Apple's strategic flexibility and foresight in market positioning.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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