Apple's iPhone Sales Surge 23% in China Amid Market Decline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 19 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: seekingalpha
- Significant Sales Growth: According to Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone sales in China surged 23% year-over-year in the first nine weeks of 2026, demonstrating Apple's strong market performance and brand appeal amid an overall market decline.
- E-commerce Promotions Boost: The sales increase was supported by e-commerce discounts and government subsidies for the iPhone 17, which not only enhanced consumer purchasing willingness but also strengthened Apple's competitive edge in a fiercely contested market.
- Market Share Expansion Potential: Despite a 4% year-over-year decline in the overall smartphone market, Apple's robust supply chain control positions it to potentially expand market share during the current crisis, while Android OEMs face pressure from rising prices.
- Cautious Future Outlook: Counterpoint anticipates continued pressure on China's smartphone market from March to May, but some improvement may occur in early June due to the upcoming 618 shopping festival, necessitating brands to balance costs, margins, and shipment targets.
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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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