Apple(US:AAPL) Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-09-17 12:04Core Insights - Apple's smartphone sales in China have declined by 6% year-on-year in the weeks leading up to the iPhone 17 launch, indicating intense competition in the world's largest smartphone market [1][2] - Despite a recovery in sales during the second quarter, Apple holds only a 12% market share, ranking sixth, while competitors like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Huawei each hold 16%, and Vivo leads with 19% [2] - The upcoming iPhone 17 is considered a significant upgrade, featuring a new design and enhanced camera system, prompting competitors to adjust their strategies, such as Xiaomi moving up the launch date of its flagship phone [1][2] Market Performance - In the first eight weeks of Q3, Apple's sales in China fell by 6%, contrasting with the typical performance before a new product launch [1] - Tim Cook noted that the customer base for iPhones in the Greater China region reached a record in Q2, which helped boost sales of other Apple products [2] Competitive Landscape - Xiaomi's CEO announced an earlier launch for their next flagship phone to compete directly with Apple's new offerings, highlighting the fierce competition in the Chinese smartphone market [2] - AI features have not yet become a significant sales driver for Apple, with consumers primarily focusing on practical factors like battery life and cost-effectiveness when making purchasing decisions [3]