Against the trend, Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) iPhone 17 January sales in China increased by 8%, market share rose to tie for first place.

According to Counterpoint Research data, Apple Inc.'s iPhone was the only smartphone product line in January to achieve sales growth in the Chinese market. The organization stated that sales of other smartphone manufacturers all saw significant declines in a market environment that overall declined by 23%, mainly due to reduced subsidies and changes in the lunar New Year. However, the iPhone 17 series helped Apple Inc. achieve an 8% growth, increasing its market share to about one fifth, tying with Huawei for the lead. Counterpoint Research pointed out, "Apple Inc. has become the only major brand to achieve year-on-year growth, with its market share reaching its highest level for January in the past five years." "The base version of the iPhone 17 is now eligible for subsidies, increasing its cost-effectiveness and driving a 9% month-on-month sales increase." The organization added that the iPhone 17 series currently has almost no discounts or price reductions, leaving room for further price adjustments or profit optimization in the future. However, other smartphone brands have not yet entered the most intense promotional stage, and this month's lunar New Year holiday will be the core of seasonal consumption. Since the launch of the new models in September last year, Apple Inc.'s flagship products have experienced a significant recovery. In the world's largest smartphone market, its shipments during the holiday period surged, helping it achieve the best iPhone quarterly performance ever. Apple Inc.'s financial report released at the end of last month showed that in the first quarter ending December 27, 2025, the company's total revenue reached a record $143.8 billion, a 16% year-on-year increase, significantly exceeding analysts' average expectations of $138.4 billion, and higher than the company's previous guidance of 10%-12% growth; earnings per share were $2.84, also exceeding market expectations of $2.68. As a core revenue driver for Apple Inc., the iPhone business saw explosive growth in this quarter, generating $85.3 billion in revenue, a 23% year-on-year increase, far exceeding analysts' expectations of $78.2 billion and achieving the best quarterly performance in history. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook stated that the market demand for the iPhone 17 series was "extremely strong," setting sales records in all geographic regions globally, with the high-end versions particularly popular, becoming key drivers of revenue and profit. The Greater China region was the biggest highlight of this financial report, with revenue reaching $25.5 billion, a 38% year-on-year increase, significantly surpassing market expectations of $21.8 billion. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook pointed out that the iPhone set sales records in that region, and the conversion of Android users to the Apple Inc. ecosystem saw double-digit growth.