iPhone shipments in China rebound in March

Chinese iPhone shipments surged by 12 per cent in March, indicating that Apple’s efforts to revive its struggling Chinese market are bearing fruit, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing official data.

This significant jump follows a concerning 37 per cent decline in iPhone shipments during the first two months of 2024.

The data, released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), shows a turnaround for Apple after facing challenges in China since 2023.

These challenges included competition from domestic brands like Huawei and an unofficial ban on iPhone use in some government agencies.

While overall foreign phone shipments in China remain down 27 per cent for the first quarter of 2024, Apple’s March performance indicates a positive step forward.

Apple’s strategy of price cuts, implemented in collaboration with Chinese resellers, appears to be paying off.

This news comes after Apple CEO Tim Cook’s recent statement that iPhone sales in mainland China grew during the March quarter. While Cook did not provide specific details, the official data now confirms a positive trend.

While China is a critical market for Apple, representing 18 per cent of its net sales and serving as a major production hub, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

Apple is also seeking growth opportunities beyond China, evident in the recent launch of a new iPad Pro and larger iPad Air.