vivo’s Growth Soars in China, Huawei Overtakes Apple in Market Share

In the fourth quarter of 2024, vivo emerged as the dominant player in China’s smartphone market, shipping 13.2 million units, securing a 17.6% market share, and experiencing a 14.8% increase in shipments year-on-year (YoY).

Apple’s Decline

In second place, Apple shipped 13 million units, marking a 7.1% YoY decrease, with its market share dipping slightly to 17.3%.

The decline in Apple’s shipments comes as a major shift in the market, with Huawei closing the gap.

Huawei’s Rise

Huawei, ranked third with 12.7 million units shipped in Q4, experienced a 14.4% YoY growth and now holds a 16.9% market share, almost surpassing Apple’s share.

Other Players

Xiaomi saw the largest growth among major brands, with a 29.5% increase, shipping 12.3 million units and securing 16.4% of the market.

Oppo and Honor both shipped 10.5 million units, but Oppo grew by 7.1%, while Honor saw a 13.2% decline.

The overall market for Q4 2024 grew by 5.3% YoY, with total shipments reaching 75 million smartphones.

For the full year 2024, 271.4 million smartphones were shipped in China, marking a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year.

The introduction of smartphone subsidies is expected to sustain this growth in 2025.

Key Takeaway:

vivo’s continued dominance, alongside the steady rise of Huawei, is challenging Apple’s position in the Chinese smartphone market, and it seems likely that these shifts will continue into 2025.