Huawei returns to the top spot in China's smartphone market, while Apple climbs back up.

Huawei regained the top spot in China's smartphone market in the second quarter of 2025, which saw Apple return to one of its most critical markets. According to data released today by analyst firm Canalys, the Shenzhen-based group shipped 12.2 million phones to China in the three months ending in June (up 15% year-over-year), representing an 18% market share, and will become the leading player in the sector starting from the first quarter of 2024.

Apple, on the other hand, shipped 10.1 million smartphones in the same period (+4%) and ranked fifth in a context marked by fierce competition.

The Cupertino company reported growth in China for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Canalys. The shipment data, which represents the number of devices shipped to retailers and does not directly correspond to sales, came ahead of Apple's quarterly earnings release this week, with investors eyeing the company's performance in China, a market that has faced significant challenges recently, including intense competition from Huawei and other local players like Xiaomi.

Apple's return to growth in China will be a positive sign for investors, coming after "strategically adjusting prices" for the iPhone 16 series, the analyst firm noted. Chinese e-commerce companies have offered discounts on flagship phone models, and Apple, in turn, has also increased trade-in offers for some of its older models. Canalys' data confirms Counterpoint Research's findings released earlier this month regarding Apple's return to growth.