iPhone 18 Pro led China’s smartphone sales in launch week, Counterpoint says
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were China’s best-selling smartphones during launch week, Counterpoint Research reports. Sales rose 12% year over year in the first three days, helping Apple take 33% of the market.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were China’s best-selling smartphones during launch week, according to Counterpoint Research. The result came as overall new-smartphone sales in the country were declining.
During the first three sales days, which covered only part of Week 38, the iPhone 18 Pro series recorded 12% year-over-year growth. Apple took the top position for the week with 33% of China’s smartphone market.
Three factors behind Pro demand
Counterpoint links the performance to three factors. Apple released the two Pro models ahead of the standard iPhone 18, which may have led some customers to choose a premium device instead of waiting for the base model.
The research firm also points to higher prices across the premium smartphone market. It says Apple absorbed part of the increased component costs, making the iPhone 18 Pro comparatively better value among high-end phones.
The third factor was what Counterpoint called “aggressive channel support”: extensive advertising and promotions from retailers and carriers.
China’s wider smartphone decline
Counterpoint’s China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker shows that total new-smartphone sales in China had fallen 17% year over year since July. The iPhone 18 Pro launch reversed that trend for Apple, the report says.
What we know
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max led China’s smartphone sales during launch week.
- The series grew 12% year over year in its first three sales days.
- Apple held 33% of China’s smartphone market in Week 38.
- Counterpoint cites the delayed base iPhone 18, pricing and retailer and carrier promotions as key factors.
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