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Huawei grows as China’s smartphone shipments fall 15.4% in third quarter
In Q3 2026, China's smartphone shipments dropped 15.4% to 57.9 million units. Huawei was the only major vendor with double-digit growth, selling 12.2 million units for a 21% market share. Apple followed at 17.8%, though its shipments fell by 4.3%. The decline in overall shipments is attributed to increased costs and longer replacement cycles.
Key points
- China's smartphone shipments fell by 15.4% YoY to 57.9 million units in Q3 2026.
- Huawei grew its market share to around 21% by shipping 12.2 million phones.
- Apple's market share decreased to 17.8% with a 4.3% decline in shipments.
- OPPO, vivo, and Xiaomi faced significant declines, with shipments down by 17.6%, 24.9%, and 20.4% respectively.
- IDC cites rising costs for memory and components as key factors in the market slowdown.
- Huawei's diverse product lineup and moderate price increases contributed to its growth.
Why it matters
- The decline in smartphone shipments reflects a global trend influenced by economic factors.
- 2025 IT trends emphasize sustainability and cost management, aligning with Huawei's strategy.
- Rising component costs resonate with global supply chain challenges seen in various industries.
- Huawei’s growth amidst market decline is indicative of changing consumer preferences and competitive dynamics.
Huawei's resilience amidst a significant market downturn underscores its strategic positioning and adaptability, while broader economic factors contribute to the challenges faced by other major brands in the smartphone market.