China's Smartphone Market Starts 2026 Weakly
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
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Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Benzinga
- Sales Decline: According to Counterpoint Research, China's smartphone sales fell 23% year-over-year in January 2026, primarily due to last year's high base effect from government subsidies and holiday promotions, which suppressed consumer demand and led to poor overall market performance.
- Huawei's Market Leadership: Despite a 27% year-over-year sales drop, Huawei maintained the top position with a 19% market share, with the Mate 80 emerging as the best-selling model in January; the company mitigated the slowdown by enhancing trade-in prices and offering a 20% official upgrade subsidy.
- Apple's Unique Growth: The base iPhone 17 qualified for government subsidies, driving a 9% month-over-month sales increase, while Apple has kept price cuts modest, allowing room for further adjustments ahead of its next-generation launch, showcasing its unique competitive edge in the market.
- Market Outlook: Counterpoint expects a rebound in February sales as the Lunar New Year approaches, traditionally a peak sales period for smartphones in China, indicating a gradual recovery in market demand.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
32 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
11 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 261.730
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
High
350.00
Current: 261.730
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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