Daijiworld Media Network - Beijing

Beijing, Apr 18: Apple’s smartphone shipments in China have seen a significant dip, dropping by 9 percent in the first quarter of 2025, according to IDC's latest data. The tech giant shipped 9.8 million iPhones, down from over 10.7 million a year earlier, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of decline in the country.

Apple's market share has also taken a hit, falling from 17.4 percent to 13.7 percent. This decline highlights the growing challenges Apple faces in the world's largest smartphone market. In contrast, Chinese rival Xiaomi recorded a remarkable 40 percent rise in shipments, reaching 13.3 million units during the same period.

The overall Chinese smartphone market grew by 3.3 percent, with government subsidies introduced in January contributing to the rise. IDC's senior research manager, Will Wong, pointed out that the ongoing US-China tensions have further complicated Apple's position in the region. "While the US-China tensions continue to cause uncertainty, the market growth in Q1 offers hope for overcoming challenges in the rest of the year," Wong noted.

As Apple grapples with its declining performance in China, reports suggest the company is increasingly looking to India as a manufacturing and export hub. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Apple is exploring the possibility of ramping up iPhone exports from India to the US in an effort to bypass the hefty tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, which now stand at as much as 245 percent. India, with its lower 26 percent tariff, offers a more cost-effective alternative.

In a boost to its Indian operations, Apple India saw a 60 percent increase in iPhone production from its local supply chain in the financial year ending March 31. The turnover reached nearly Rs 1.89 lac cr, with iPhones worth Rs 1.5 lac cr exported during 2024-25, according to union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.