IDC: Apple gains ground as China’s smartphone shipments plunge 15.4% in Q3 2026

According to a recent report from IDC, Apple's share of smartphone shipments in China increased during Q3 2026, marking a significant turnaround as the overall market experienced a 15.4% year-over-year decline. Apple captured 17.8% of the Chinese smartphone market, up from 15.8% in the previous quarter. Despite a 4.3% year-over-year decline in Apple's own iPhone shipments and a 15.1% drop from the prior quarter, the company managed to increase its market share thanks to the less dramatic decline experienced by its competitors.

Huawei emerged as the standout performer, with shipments rising by 17.3% year-over-year, bringing its market share to 21.1% (up from 15.2% in Q3 2025). However, Huawei's shipments still fell by 17.6% from the previous quarter. Lenovo was the only other brand in China's top 10 to see year-over-year growth, with shipments increasing by 1.1%.

Other notable performers included Samsung, which recorded a 106.5% increase in shipments quarter-over-quarter, while Wiko experienced the most significant year-over-year decline among the top 10, with shipments dropping by 74%. IDC attributed the overall market downturn to rising component costs and retail prices, which continue to impact the Chinese smartphone market.

Despite these challenges, Huawei maintained its strong performance throughout the year, driven by a diverse product lineup and relatively restrained price increases. Apple's new iPhone releases received a better-than-expected market reception, although shipments declined slightly year-over-year due to fewer models available. Among major Chinese smartphone brands, only Honor managed to record quarter-over-quarter shipment growth, hinting at a potential rebound.

IDC expects component costs to remain elevated over the next several quarters, keeping device prices high and replacement cycles extended as consumers adapt to the increasing costs. The company does not anticipate cost pressures to subside significantly through much of 2027, with the market likely to continue experiencing substantial declines.