Local smartphone makers Vivo and Huawei leapfrogged Apple to become the top two sellers in the Chinese market last year, dealing a blow to the iPhone maker as it struggles to introduce AI features on the mainland and fight competition from domestic rivals.

Vivo emerged as the market leader in 2024, claiming 17 per cent of China’s smartphone market, while Huawei closely followed with a 16 per cent share. Apple, now third, holds 15 per cent signalling a m

Apple’s descent from the top of China’s smartphone market in 2024 signals a seismic shift in the competitive landscape of one of the world’s largest smartphone markets. Data from Canalys highlights a 17% decline in Apple’s shipments across the country,