China's smartphone market shrinks in Q2 with Huawei and Apple as exceptions
Huawei and Apple continue to grow in China while overall shipments decline.
1Overall decline in Chinese market
Smartphone shipments in China decreased by 2% in Q2 2025. The decline was relatively milder compared to the 4% drop in the global market. The market, with 66.1 million total shipments, shows noticeable polarization among brands.
2Huawei's leadership
Huawei shipped 15.2 million devices, capturing 23% market share and setting a record. The company benefited from resilient demand in the premium segment, showing significant growth in both shipments and market share year-over-year.
3Apple's stable performance
Apple increased its market share to 19% with 12.4 million iPhone shipments. By avoiding price hikes, the company strengthened its position in China, remaining a preferred choice for mid-to-high-end consumers.
4Decline of other brands
Competitors like Oppo, vivo and Xiaomi faced double-digit shipment declines. Xiaomi experienced the sharpest drop at 21%. Market polarization is forcing these brands to optimize their product portfolios.
5Impact of component costs
The memory crisis and rising component costs are significantly affecting market dynamics. Huawei's strong integration with domestic supply chains and Apple's pricing strategy provide advantages amid these fluctuations.
6Future projections
Omdia projects China's market will shrink by 6% for full-year 2025. While consumers are expected to be more cautious about device upgrades, Huawei and Apple are forecast to maintain their advantageous positions.