After a complicated period, Apple has reversed its trend in one of its most critical markets. After a difficult phase, sales of the iPhone have grown by 22% in China during the first month of availability of the new family of devices.
This figure, provided by the research firm Counterpoint Research, contrasts sharply with the overall performance of the smartphone sector in the country, which experienced a decline of 2.7% in the same period.
Strong Launch Triggers Upswing
The launch, which took place on 19 September, has been the main catalyst for this rebound. According to the report, nearly four out of every five iPhones sold to Chinese consumers after that date belong to the new generation of devices.
These figures support the optimism recently shown by CEO Tim Cook, who said during the presentation of the fiscal fourth-quarter results for 2025 that the reception of the new models had been very positive.
The magnitude of this growth becomes more relevant when compared to last year’s launch. When the iPhone 16 arrived in 2024, Apple’s sales in China fell by 5% during its debut month.
The current leap of 22% indicates a significant recovery of demand and suggests that the new features or pricing strategy have resonated better with local consumers — even though many models did not qualify for recent government subsidies.
Although Apple does not usually break down its sales figures by region publicly, its executives’ statements match the data from external consultants. Cook insisted that the previous performance problems in the region were more due to supply limitations than to a real lack of interest from users.
