iPhone Sales Decline in China Due to Lack of Innovation
Apple's iPhone sales in China experienced a significant drop of 10-12% in December 2024 compared to the previous year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This decline is attributed to a lack of innovation in the iPhone 16 series, which failed to impress Chinese consumers with only minor upgrades. The stagnant sales figures are specific to Apple, as the overall smartphone market in China remained stable.
Kuo predicts this trend will continue into the first half of 2025, with the upcoming iPhone SE4 unlikely to boost sales significantly. Concerns also surround the iPhone 17 series, rumored to exclusively support eSIM, potentially hindering adoption in China where eSIM support isn't universal. You can learn more about iPhones by checking out this article about new iPhone SE and iPads.
Challenges and Projections for Apple
Despite these challenges, Apple is projected to ship approximately 225 million iPhones globally in 2025, slightly exceeding the 220 million shipped in 2024 but falling short of the initial 240 million projection. These figures reflect Apple's ongoing struggles, particularly in key markets like China. For insights into other smartphone developments, see the Samsung Galaxy S25 series leaks.
The shift to eSIM and the lack of significant innovation pose major challenges for Apple in the Chinese market. The company's response to these issues will be crucial for its global sales performance in the coming year. For related information, you might find this article on Indonesia's iPhone 16 ban relevant.