Apple’s iPhone leads surge as foreign-branded smartphone sales in China jump 13% in October

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro in Deep Blue
In a sign of shifting consumer preferences in the world’s largest smartphone market, sales of foreign-branded smartphones in China — dominated overwhelmingly by Apple’s iPhone — surged by 13.0% year-over-year in October 2025 based on data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, outpacing the overall market’s growth. This rebound highlights Apple’s enduring appeal amid intensifying competition from domestic giants like Huawei and Vivo, as Chinese buyers increasingly seek premium features and global brand prestige.
According to data from market research firm Canalys, total smartphone shipments in China reached 32.267 million units last month, marking an 8.7% increase from October 2024. While this modest uptick reflects a stabilizing post-pandemic market, the standout performer was the foreign-branded segment. Shipments of these devices climbed to 7.027 million units, up from 6.216 million a year earlier—a robust 13.0% gain that underscores the iPhone’s pivotal role.
Foreign-branded smartphones in China are, in practice, synonymous with Apple’s iPhone lineup. With Samsung’s Galaxy series holding a negligible share in the region—often below 5% — the iPhone commands the lion’s share of non-domestic sales, capturing around 20% of the total market in recent quarters. This dominance stems from the strength of Apple’s ecosystem, superior camera technology, and status as a symbol of aspiration for urban professionals and tech enthusiasts. The October surge likely benefited from seasonal promotions ahead of Singles’ Day and the iPhone 17 launch hype, which analysts say helped Apple regain ground ceded to Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered devices.
In contrast, domestic brands continued to flex their muscle, accounting for the bulk of the market with aggressive pricing and AI-integrated features tailored to local tastes. Huawei, for instance, maintained its lead with innovative foldables and 5G prowess, while Xiaomi and Oppo drove volume through mid-range offerings. Yet, even as these players captured over 70% of shipments, the iPhone’s double-digit growth signals a premiumization trend: Chinese consumers are willing to splurge on foreign tech when it promises longevity and seamless integration with global services like iCloud and App Store exclusives.
This development comes against a backdrop of U.S.-China trade tensions, which have sporadically impacted Apple’s supply chain. However, recent easing of export restrictions and Apple’s localization efforts — such as increased R&D in Shanghai — appear to be paying dividends. Market watchers note that the iPhone’s resilience could foreshadow a broader recovery for foreign brands, potentially pressuring domestic incumbents to innovate faster.
MacDailyNews Take: As 2025 draws to a close, all eyes are on Apple’s holiday quarter. If the iPhone-fueled momentum holds, foreign-branded smartphones could end the year with their strongest performance in China since 2022, blending global innovation with the unquenchable thirst of 1.4 billion consumers for the next big thing.

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