Apple's iPhone sales in China increased 8% year-over-year in the second quarter, marking the first positive growth in the region since 2023, according to Counterpoint Research. Sales benefited from strategic discounts during May promotions and elevated trade-in values in the lead-up to China's annual 618 shopping festival, CNBC reported. President Donald Trump threatened Apple with tariffs and pushed for U.S.-based iPhone manufacturing, a move experts view as nearly impossible. Apple's China challenges intensified in late 2023 as Huawei rebounded with an advanced-chip smartphone, previously believed to be beyond China's capabilities. Apple remains in third place in market share, behind Huawei, whose aggressive comeback and 12% sales increase have challenged Apple's dominance. Huawei's continued consumer loyalty in China further complicates Apple's competitive landscape.
