Overview
- Counterpoint reports China’s smartphone market fell about 4% in the first nine weeks of 2026 as iPhone sales rose 23%.
- Apple’s gains were fueled by aggressive e-commerce discounts and state subsidies on the base iPhone 17.
- Analysts say Apple is keeping list prices steady and absorbing higher component costs to broaden market share.
- OPPO and vivo have raised prices on select models in March to offset rising memory expenses and test consumer response.
- The memory-price squeeze tied to AI-driven demand is expected to persist through 2026, with limited relief likely around June’s 618 promotions as Huawei’s domestic sourcing positions it to grow in low-to-mid tiers.