Apple wins dual crowns in September – China and US
Apple wins dual crowns in September – China and US
Seoul, Hong Kong, Mumbai and London – October 27, 2015
According to Counterpoint Research’s Monthly Market Pulse report, Apple took the number one spot in September in both China and the US, the world’s largest and most important smartphone markets. The latest iPhones, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, were an instant hit in these markets and Apple’s move to prioritize China as an initial launch country for the first time has paid off.
Apple’s iPhone sales in China broke records as it crossed the 7 million units per month mark for the first time, according to Counterpoint’s sell-through survey. Rose Gold color iPhone 6s models were the most popular in China and helped Apple climb to the top spot for the first time in September. It is a close race among the top 3 in China right now; Xiaomi was No. 1 in Q2 and Huawei in Q3. Now it looks like Q4 will be an Apple quarter, if the trajectory continues through December.
Commenting on Apple’s performance in China, Counterpoint’s Research Director, Tom Kang notes, “Apple has now conquered the Chinese market so it will come under sustained attack from local competitors. But it is becoming an embedded brand in China, standing for luxury and high quality”. Counterpoint’s Research Director Peter Richardson, commented, “With an iron grip on the US market and increasingly secure position in China, India will likely be Apple’s next target market. But India is a very different market to China and will consequently require a separate and distinct strategic approach”.
Methodology:
Counterpoint’s Monthly Market Pulse market share data is based on sell-through (sales) surveyed at major mass retailers, distributors across different markets (35 countries) by Counterpoint Research’s team plus cross checks with supply chain surveys, demand-side surveys & expert Analyst estimates, to complete the global monthly sales database.
Background:
Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm based in Asia specializing in analysis of the TMT industry. It services major technology firms and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analysis of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are experts in the industry with an average tenure of 14 years in the high tech industry.
Figure 1: Apple’s Share1 in the Chinese Smartphone Market
1 Smartphone sales only (not shipments). Tablets, PCs, dongles, fixed wireless devices not included. All regional or minor hardware variations included in each model.
Analyst Contacts:
Neil Shah +91 9930218469
Tom Kang +82 10 2874 8133
Peter Richardson +44 20 3239 6411
