Apple iPhone 18 Pro Sales Jump 12% in China

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series delivered a strong debut in China, with first-week sales rising 12% from a year earlier and helping the technology giant secure the top position in the country’s smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research.

Apple captured 33% of smartphone sales in China during Week 38, covering September 14-20. The performance was particularly notable because the iPhone 18 Pro lineup was available for only the final three days of the period.

The strong iPhone launch came despite continued weakness across China’s smartphone market. Counterpoint said weekly smartphone sales have recorded double-digit year-over-year declines since July, pressured by sluggish consumer demand and rising memory costs. However, new device launches in September could support a sequential market recovery.

Counterpoint Senior Analyst Ivan Lam said the delayed release of the standard iPhone 18 may have encouraged some buyers to upgrade to the more expensive Pro models. Meanwhile, price increases exceeding $200 on many Chinese flagship smartphones have potentially strengthened the relative value proposition of Apple's premium devices.

Chinese smartphone manufacturers have also rolled out new flagship models ahead of the National Day holiday. Higher memory costs have pushed up prices for devices with greater storage capacity and smartphones powered by advanced 2-nanometer chips, potentially creating additional pressure on demand later this year.

Huawei, for example, introduced the Pura X View, a wide-screen smartphone featuring a 16:9.5 display ratio. Counterpoint said the device targets customers seeking a larger screen without the higher price or added bulk associated with foldable phones. Competitive pricing and flagship specifications have supported strong early sales.

Despite Apple's successful iPhone 18 Pro launch, China's overall smartphone market remains under pressure. Smartphone sales during Week 38 were still 17% lower than the comparable period in 2025.

Counterpoint expects the newest generation of Chinese flagship smartphones to post weaker fourth-quarter sales than their predecessors as higher prices and softer consumer demand continue to weigh on the market.