Apple captured 33% of China’s smartphone sales in Week 38, driven by a 12% year-over-year sales increase for the iPhone 18 Pro series in its first week of launch. Counterpoint Research reported Wednesday that the surge occurred even though the new devices were on sale for only the final three days of the tracking period, which ran from September 14 to September 20.
Counterpoint Research Tracks Apple Market Share Surge
Apple claimed the top spot in China’s smartphone sector during Week 38, according to data published by Counterpoint Research on Wednesday. The company’s 33% market share arrived despite the iPhone 18 Pro lineup being available to buyers for only three days of the seven-day tracking window.
That strong launch performance stood out against a broader market slump. Counterpoint noted that China’s weekly smartphone sales have dropped at a double-digit annual rate since July, constrained by soft consumer demand and climbing component expenses.
Ivan Lam Analyzes Pro Model Shift and Pricing Factors
Counterpoint Senior Analyst Ivan Lam pointed to a delayed release for the standard iPhone 18 as a catalyst that pushed buyers toward higher-end devices. Consumers bypassed the base model by moving up to the Pro lineup.
At the same time, rival Chinese flagship phones saw price increases exceeding $200. Lam stated that these domestic price hikes effectively enhanced the relative value proposition of Apple’s Pro series.
Huawei and Domestic Competitors Launch New Flagships
Apple’s launch coincided with a wave of new device rollouts from domestic manufacturers targeting the National Day holiday. Among them, Huawei introduced the Pura X View, a wide-screen slab phone featuring a 16:9.5 display ratio.
Counterpoint reported that the Huawei Pura X View targets users wanting a larger screen without the bulk or expense of a foldable device. Initial sales for the model have been solid, supported by its pricing and flagship specifications.
Rising Costs Threaten Fourth-Quarter Sales
Despite the strong debut for Apple’s Pro tier, the wider Chinese smartphone ecosystem remained subdued. Week 38 sales tracked 17% below figures recorded during the comparable week in 2025, according to Counterpoint.
Rising memory expenses continue to drive up retail prices for higher-capacity configurations and phones utilizing 2-nanometer chips. Counterpoint analysts expect these cost pressures to weigh on fourth-quarter sales, projecting that the latest generation of Chinese flagship models will record lower sales than their predecessors.
Frequently Asked Questions on China’s Smartphone Market
How much did iPhone 18 Pro sales rise in China?
Sales for the iPhone 18 Pro series increased by 12% year-over-year during its first week on the market, according to Counterpoint Research.
What market share did Apple capture in Week 38?
Apple accounted for 33% of all smartphone sales in China during Week 38, which spanned September 14 to September 20.
Why did consumers buy more Pro models instead of standard phones?
Counterpoint Senior Analyst Ivan Lam explained that a delayed launch for the standard iPhone 18 pushed buyers toward Pro models, while price increases exceeding $200 on rival Chinese flagships made Apple’s Pro devices more competitive.
How is the broader Chinese smartphone market performing?
The broader market remains weak, with Week 38 sales tracking 17% below the same week in 2025. Double-digit annual declines have persisted since July due to soft demand and rising memory costs.
Keep reading