Apple Defies China 23% January Smartphone Sales Plunge
By Reuters | 12 Feb, 2026

While domestic rival Xiaomi Freefell 36%, the iPhone 17 series gave Apple upward momentum.

China's smartphone sales fell 23% in January compared with a year ago due to a high base in 2025 and a shift in the timing of Chinese New Year promotions, Counterpoint Research said on Thursday.

Chinese mobile maker Huawei kept the leading position last month despite a 27% Y/Y decline in sales, Counterpoint said in a statement. 

Domestic brands mostly saw double‑digit declines in sales in January with Xiaomi falling the most at 36% on the year, the statement added. 

Apple was the only major brand to post year-on-year growth. Its sales in China were up 8% Y/Y in January, with the iPhone 17 series sustaining strong momentum.

(Reporting by Shi Bu and Ryan Woo; Editing by Andrew Heavens)