Rising Against the Trend! Apple (AAPL.US) iPhone 17 sales in China increased by 8% in January, with market share rising to tie for first place

According to the Tongcrypt News APP, based on data from Counterpoint Research, Apple’s (AAPL.US) iPhone was the only smartphone product line to achieve sales growth in the Chinese market in January. The organization states that other mobile phone manufacturers experienced significant declines amid an overall 23% market downturn, mainly due to reduced subsidies and changes in the Lunar New Year schedule. However, the iPhone 17 series helped Apple achieve an 8% increase, raising its market share to about one-fifth, tying with Huawei as the market leader.

Counterpoint Research noted, “Apple became the only major brand to achieve year-over-year growth, with its market share reaching the highest level in January over the past five years.” “The basic version of the iPhone 17 is now eligible for subsidies, enhancing its value-for-money appeal and driving a 9% month-over-month increase in sales.”

The organization added that currently, the iPhone 17 series is almost without discounts or price cuts, leaving room for future price adjustments or profit margin optimization. However, other brands have not yet entered the most intense promotional phase, and this month’s Lunar New Year holiday will be the focus of seasonal consumption.

Since launching new models last September, Apple’s flagship products have experienced a significant rebound. During the holiday season, shipments surged in the world’s largest smartphone market, helping Apple achieve its best-ever iPhone quarterly performance. Apple’s latest financial report, released at the end of last month, showed that for the first fiscal quarter ending December 27, 2025, the company’s total revenue reached a record $143.8 billion, up 16% year-over-year, far exceeding analysts’ average estimate of $138.4 billion and surpassing the company’s previous guidance of 10%-12% growth; earnings per share were $2.84, also exceeding market expectations of $2.68.

As Apple’s core revenue pillar, the iPhone business saw explosive growth this quarter, with revenue reaching $85.3 billion, a 23% increase year-over-year, far surpassing analyst expectations of $78.2 billion and setting a record for the best quarterly performance in history. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the market demand for the iPhone 17 series is “phenomenal,” setting sales records across all regions worldwide, with high-end versions especially popular, becoming a key driver of revenue and profit.

Greater China became the biggest highlight of this earnings report, with revenue reaching $25.5 billion, a 38% increase year-over-year, significantly exceeding market expectations of $21.8 billion. Apple CEO Tim Cook pointed out that the iPhone set sales records in the region and drove double-digit growth in the number of Android users switching to the Apple ecosystem.