Apple is having a tough time in China, with falling iPhone sales. Reports show that iPhone shipments in December 2024 fell by 10–12 percent from the same month in 2023, which indicates that the company’s market share is decreasing in one of its biggest markets. While the overall smartphone sales in China have been stable, Apple seems to be losing ground to local brands that provide more feature-rich products at competitive prices.
2025 iPhones Might Not Rescue Apple’s Situation in China
Looking forward, Apple’s careful planning for production in 2025 shows it understands these difficulties. Even the upcoming iPhone SE 4 (also known as iPhone 16e), which is expected to debut in the first half of 2025, might not be enough to change this downward trend. Predictions suggest that shipments for the first half of 2025 could drop by 6 percent compared to the previous year, making it clear that Apple is preparing for a challenging year ahead.
Innovations in the iPhone 17 Series
The iPhone 17 series, set to launch in September 2025, is rumored to include models with exciting design changes, like an ultra-thin form and a foldable option. While these features might attract a specific group of users, they also bring potential issues. The ultra-thin iPhone (often referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim) could have parts as thin as 5.5mm, and the foldable version might only work with eSIM technology. This could create problems in the Chinese market, where eSIM-only devices don’t have widespread support.
Furthermore, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 may be produced in larger quantities than the iPhone Plus, but its effect on overall sales could be minimal due to lower-quality components, high prices, and a user experience that doesn’t significantly set it apart from existing models. As competition grows and challenges like eSIM adoption continue, Apple’s chance to regain strength in China will rely on better aligning its future devices with local preferences and providing real improvements to justify its higher prices.
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