Apple has made a strong comeback in the global smartphone market, reclaiming its position among the top five smartphone companies, according to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.
In the third quarter of 2024, China’s smartphone shipments grew by 3.2% year-over-year, reaching 68.8 million units. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of growth in China, signaling a sustained recovery in the market after several years of stagnation.
According to Arthur Guo, a senior research analyst at IDC China, the growth is largely driven by consumers upgrading their devices after years of holding off on new purchases due to economic uncertainties and other challenges.
This surge in consumer interest has helped drive overall market growth, benefiting both Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and global players like Apple.
Apple’s return to the top five smartphone companies globally has been powered by the release of its highly anticipated iPhone 16 series. The initial sales of the iPhone 16 have matched the strong performance of its predecessor, the iPhone 15, helping Apple secure its second-place ranking in the market.
The tech giant expects even more growth in the coming months, fueled by upcoming promotions and the anticipated launch of new features, including Apple Intelligence, which could further enhance the user experience.
With the year-end holiday season approaching, Apple’s promotional efforts and new product launches are expected to keep the momentum going, positioning the company for a strong finish to 2024.
Additionally, the Singles Day shopping festival in China, which is one of the largest online shopping events globally, is likely to boost smartphone sales further.
