Apple’s Struggle in China: A Year-On-Year Plunge in iPhone Shipments amid Rising Local Competition

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Apple's decline in China, iPhone deliveries in February dropped by roughly a third compared to the same period last year

Apple's market in China is constantly dwindling. The iPhone deliveries in China have dived by around one-third from a year ago. In January 2024, Apple experienced a 39 percent annual decline.

Apple's financial stability in China seems to be unstable. Based on the official data released on Tuesday, there is a noticeable drop in the shipment of Apple's iPhones in China, which has decreased by around one-third compared to the last year.

This drop indicates a tough environment for the American technology behemoth in the world's second-biggest economy, where it's up against fierce rivalry from Chinese smartphone manufacturers.

Last week, Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, made a trip to Shanghai with the aim of enhancing connections with Chinese buyers, providers, and local government officials.

While visiting, Cook was present at the inauguration of a new Apple Store in the Jing'an district of Shanghai, which is the biggest in Asia. He also had meetings with representatives from top Apple suppliers, such as BYD's chief executive officer, Wang Chuanfu. Additionally, Cook took part in the China Development Forum held in Beijing, where he expressed his admiration for China and its residents.

Although Apple has a significant fan base in China, it is facing regulatory and competitive challenges. Reports suggest that Chinese governmental bodies and offices may have prohibited the use of iPhones, but the government refutes these claims.

Based on verified information, around 2.4 million smartphones were transported by international brands in February, making up roughly 16.9% of the Chinese market. This indicates a significant decrease from the earlier month, with Apple standing out as the most prominent overseas competitor.

In January, Apple distributed approximately 5.5 million units, demonstrating a 39% annual decline. In an effort to offset the reducing shipments, Apple is set to reveal its much-anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) strategy at the yearly Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The focus of this strategy is believed to be significant software improvements for its intelligent devices, such as the iOS 18 update.

Furthermore, Apple is considering collaborations with local AI companies for the Chinese market, with indications pointing towards Baidu as a possible provider. Yet, according to China Daily, there has been no formal arrangement established between Apple and Baidu.

At the same time, Chinese mobile phone companies such as Honor and Xiaomi are advancing in AI technology, displaying their goods at expos like MWC Barcelona. As a part of its dedication to the Chinese market, Apple intends to enlarge its research and development activities in Shanghai and set up a fresh R&D facility in Shenzhen.

Even with attempts to boost performance, iPhone's sales dropped almost 25% during the initial six weeks of 2024 compared to the same timeframe the prior year, pushing Apple to the fourth position after Vivo, Huawei, and Honor. Conversely, Huawei Technologies saw a substantial boost in sales, propelled by a high demand for their leading 5G Mate 60 Pro smartphone.

(Incorporating information from various sources)

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