China’s smartphone market contracted in the second quarter after six consecutive quarters of growth. According to IDC data released on Tuesday, shipments from four of the top five brands declined due to weakening consumer demand.
Apple, which ranks fifth in the Chinese smartphone market, recorded a 1.3% year-on-year decline in shipments to 9.6 million units in the second quarter. This is better than the 9% drop in the first quarter, thanks to price adjustments on some iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models that qualify for government subsidies.
Apple’s market share increased to 13.9% in the June quarter from 13.7% in March. However, this marks the eighth consecutive quarter of shipment declines for the company.
Huawei reclaimed the leading position for the first time in more than four years with an 18.1% market share. The Shenzhen-based company shipped 12.5 million smartphones in the second quarter — 3.4% less than the same period last year.
Xiaomi, which ranks fourth, was the only top-5 manufacturer to increase shipment volumes quarter-on-quarter.
Vivo, in second place, experienced the largest decline among the market leaders — down 10.1% compared to last year.
Total smartphone shipments in China decreased 4.0% year-on-year to 69 million units in the second quarter. The main reason was a reduced effect from government subsidies amid overall economic weakness.
“The broader economic environment continues to pose challenges, and consumer confidence remains low,” said Arthur Guo, senior analyst at IDC.
He also noted that significant growth in smartphone demand is unlikely in the near term, and the market will navigate a more challenging landscape in the second half of the year.