Apple's (AAPL, Financial) latest iPhone 16, launched in September, has experienced a 20% increase in sales in China compared to the previous year's model. This marks a positive development for Apple in the world's largest smartphone market, where it faces significant challenges.
According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16's performance has outpaced that of its predecessor, with a notable shift in consumer preference towards the higher-priced Pro and Pro Max models. Sales of these premium models have risen by 44% compared to the same tier products released last year.
Counterpoint analyst Ivan Lam highlighted the smooth production growth, consistent pricing strategy, and the first wave of upgrades from existing iPhone users as key factors driving the substantial sales increase of the iPhone 16 series in China. He also noted a significant improvement in the product structure, contributing to stronger market performance.
Despite the data covering only the first three weeks post-launch, it suggests that Apple's 2024 release is outperforming last year's models. In contrast, the earlier iPhone 15 series encountered production challenges, which may have hindered initial sales. Apple's flagship devices are also facing stiff competition from Huawei's Mate 60 series, which has captivated many local consumers in China.
