Huawei's position in the Chinese tablet market has become significantly stronger. For the second consecutive quarter, the tech powerhouse has outperformed Apple in tablet sales, as reported by Canalys.
Huawei's Impressive Shipments
The report indicates that Huawei shipped an impressive 20.5 million tablets in Q2 2024 in China, giving them a substantial 26% share of the market. This achievement not only secures their leading position but also marks a remarkable 66% increase compared to the previous year. The success can be largely attributed to Huawei's proactive launch strategy. Their varied MatePad series, which includes the newly launched dual-layer OLED MatePad Pro 12.2, appears to be appealing to Chinese consumers.
Apple's Decline in Market Share
On the other hand, Apple, despite having a similar market share with approximately 20.1 million tablets shipped, finds itself in a challenging situation. The company has experienced a 14% drop in year-on-year growth, suggesting difficulties in adapting to the rapidly changing Chinese tablet market.
Rising Competition from Local Brands
The competition intensifies with the presence of local brands such as Xiaomi and Honor. Xiaomi secured the third position with 9.25 million tablets shipped, while Honor experienced a remarkable 63% year-on-year growth, landing in fourth place with 6.5 million units. This pattern clearly indicates the increasing competitiveness in the Chinese tablet market, where local manufacturers are presenting enticing alternatives to established names like Apple.
This surge in competition has positively impacted overall tablet sales in China. Canalys reports a 20% increase in tablet shipments compared to the previous quarter, likely fueled by aggressive online marketing efforts. The research firm also forecasts a 9% rise in shipments for the entire year.
Future Trends in the Market
Looking forward, the focus appears to be shifting towards artificial intelligence features. Canalys anticipates that technology companies will utilize AI capabilities to set their products apart and attract consumers in a market that is becoming increasingly crowded with high-performing devices.
