Apple’s latest iPhone 16 series is making waves in China, with sales soaring 20% in its first three weeks compared to last year’s models, according to Counterpoint data. But the battle for smartphone supremacy is heating up as Huawei’s Mate and Pura series challenge Apple’s dominance.
The Pro and Pro Max models are stealing the spotlight, with combined sales up 44% year-over-year. Analysts say sleek design upgrades and AI-powered camera features are driving demand among young, tech-savvy buyers.
But there’s a twist: Overall iPhone sales in China dipped 2% during the same period. Why? Older models are losing ground as Huawei’s comeback continues. The rival’s 5G-capable phones—powered by China-made chips—are winning hearts (and wallets) nationwide.
This showdown reflects bigger trends: Tech nationalism and innovation wars are reshaping the world’s largest smartphone market. With both companies dropping new devices on September 20, consumers are the real winners—getting cutting-edge tech at competitive prices.
What’s next? Analysts predict Apple will double down on AI partnerships and localized features for Chinese users. Meanwhile, Huawei’s growing ecosystem could turn this rivalry into a marathon. Grab your popcorn, folks!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com