Huawei returned to the top of China’s smartphone market in the second quarter, overtaking rivals after more than four years.
The company shipped 12.5 million phones, giving it an 18.1% market share, according to new data.
China’s overall smartphone shipments fell 4.0% year-on-year to 69 million units during the quarter, ending a run of six straight quarters of growth. Demand slowed as the effect of earlier government subsidies weakened and consumers held back on spending.
Apple, ranked fifth, shipped 9.6 million units in the quarter, down 1.3% from a year earlier. The decline was smaller than the 9% drop in the first quarter, helped by price cuts on some iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models that were eligible for subsidies.
Apple’s market share rose to 13.9%, up from 13.7% in the previous quarter. It was the company’s eighth consecutive quarter of shipment declines in China.
Xiaomi was the only major brand to post shipment growth during the quarter. Vivo, the second-ranked brand, recorded a 10.1% drop, the sharpest among the top five.
An IDC researcher said weak consumer confidence and the broader economy continue to pressure the market. He added that a strong recovery is unlikely soon and the second half of the year may remain difficult for phone makers.
