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Apple Loses Smartphone Sales Crown in China, Drops to Third in 2024

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Apple has lost its position as China’s top smartphone seller in 2024, with local competitors Vivo and Huawei surpassing the tech giant. According to data from research firm Canalys, Apple’s annual smartphone shipments in China declined by 17%, marking its largest drop since 2016.

Vivo, the budget smartphone maker, secured 17% of the market share, while Huawei, with its premium offerings, held 16%, and Apple dropped to third with 15%. This marks a significant shift in market dynamics, as domestic manufacturers gain strength in one of Apple’s largest global markets.

Apple’s decline is attributed to various factors, including the lack of artificial intelligence capabilities in its latest iPhones, which has hurt its competitiveness in China, where services like ChatGPT are unavailable. Canalys analyst Toby Zhu commented that Apple’s premium market position faces multiple challenges, such as Huawei’s resurgence in the flagship segment, the rise of domestic foldable phones in high-price segments, and Android brands like Xiaomi and Vivo building consumer loyalty through technological innovations.

Despite previously experiencing four years of growth following U.S. sanctions on Huawei in 2019, which restricted the company’s access to American technology, Apple now faces a strong challenge from Huawei. The Chinese company has seen a resurgence, with a 24% rise in shipments during the fourth quarter of 2024 after launching new phones with locally-made chipsets.

To combat the decline, Apple resorted to offering discounts. In early January, Apple launched a four-day promotion in China, offering price cuts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on iPhone 16 models through official channels. Major Chinese e-commerce platforms followed suit, with Alibaba’s Tmall marketplace offering discounts up to 1,000 yuan ($137) on the latest iPhone 16 series devices.

Among the top five smartphone vendors, Xiaomi posted the strongest growth, with a 29% increase in shipments in the fourth quarter, while Oppo and Vivo saw increases of 18% and 14%, respectively. Overall, smartphone shipments in China rose by 4% year-on-year to 285 million units in 2024.

 

Vivo X200 Ultra Design Revealed; Expected to Include Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip and 6,000mAh Battery

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The Vivo X200 Ultra has been making waves in tech circles, with multiple leaks and rumors circulating about its design and features. Although Vivo has not officially confirmed any details regarding the successor to the Vivo X100 Ultra, the smartphone’s render and specifications have been leaked, giving us a glimpse into what the upcoming device may offer. Expected to feature a 6.82-inch 2K resolution display, the Vivo X200 Ultra is likely to deliver an immersive viewing experience. Powering the device is anticipated to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising top-tier performance and efficiency.

One of the most notable aspects of the Vivo X200 Ultra is its camera setup. The device is expected to sport a triple rear camera arrangement, housed within a large circular module that features the iconic Zeiss logo and an LED flash. The rear panel is speculated to have a textured finish, adding a premium touch to the device’s design. This camera system is expected to offer a range of features, likely including advanced image processing and AI capabilities for enhanced photography.

Battery life is another key highlight for the Vivo X200 Ultra. The device is tipped to come with a massive 6,000mAh battery, providing users with extended usage on a single charge. Additionally, the phone is rumored to support 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring that users can quickly recharge their device when needed. These charging capabilities would make the Vivo X200 Ultra a highly convenient option for users on the go.

On the front of the device, the Vivo X200 Ultra is expected to feature a centrally located hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. With narrow bezels surrounding the display, the phone should offer an expansive screen-to-body ratio, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. While Vivo has yet to officially announce the device, the leaked information gives us a clear idea of what to expect from this upcoming flagship.

Vivo 2025 Launch Roadmap Leaked: Vivo X200 Ultra Expected in April

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Vivo is gearing up for a dynamic 2025, with its product launch timeline for the year already generating buzz. Following the December release of the Vivo X200 Pro and Vivo X200 in India, the company is now rumored to be adding a new Vivo X200 Ultra to the lineup. Although Vivo has yet to confirm details, a well-known Chinese tipster has shared insights into the launch schedule for this anticipated flagship and other upcoming devices. Alongside the Vivo X200 Ultra, Vivo is reportedly planning to introduce its next-generation foldable phones in mid-2025 in China.

According to the tipster, Digital Chat Station, Vivo’s 2025 flagship release strategy will closely mirror its 2024 timeline. A new premium device featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is expected to debut as early as March or April. While the specific name of the device hasn’t been disclosed, many speculate it will be the Vivo X200 Ultra. This aligns with Vivo’s previous launch pattern, as the Vivo X100 Ultra was introduced in May of this year. If true, Vivo could be positioning the X200 Ultra as its standout offering in the premium smartphone segment.

Beyond the X200 Ultra, Vivo is also preparing to unveil its latest foldable smartphones, potentially the Vivo X Fold 4 and X Fold 4 Pro. These Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices are rumored to launch in June or July, targeting the growing foldable market. Vivo’s foldable lineup has been gaining traction, and these new models are expected to feature significant upgrades in design, performance, and durability, further solidifying Vivo’s foothold in this niche but expanding category.

Additionally, Vivo is said to be working on a diverse range of products for 2025. This includes a large tablet, likely aimed at productivity-focused users, and mid-range smartphones powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chipset. These mid-range devices are expected to cater to a broader audience, offering premium features at an affordable price point. With such a comprehensive roadmap, Vivo is set to strengthen its presence across multiple market segments in the coming year.