Apple iPhone Shipments More Than Double in China in November, Rebuffing Huawei's Surge

Can Apple's brand power withstand China's wave of 'patriotic buying'? November's data offers a resounding 'yes'. According to data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) cited by Reuters, shipments of foreign-branded smartphones more than doubled year-on-year in November 2025, defying expectations in the world's largest mobile market.

A Rebound Driven by Discounts

The surge provides a significant boost for Apple, which has faced intense pressure from the resurgence of local champion Huawei. As the iPhone is the dominant foreign player in China, the CAICT data is a direct reflection of its performance. This impressive growth is largely attributed to the 'Singles' Day' shopping festival, a massive sales event in November. Reports indicated that major e-commerce platforms offered unusually steep discounts on the latest iPhone 17 models, a strategic pricing shift to fend off competition and stimulate demand.

The Competitive Landscape

While the November numbers are strong, the competitive environment in China remains challenging. Huawei continues to gain market share with its popular Mate series, fueled by nationalist sentiment and technological advancements. Apple's performance demonstrates its resilience, but it also highlights its increasing reliance on promotional pricing to maintain its foothold in the premium segment.