China Smartphone Sales up 8% YoY in Oct; iPhone Continues Run Towards Record Q4
- China’s smartphone sell-through increased 8% YoY in October, driven primarily by Apple and support from key Chinese OEMs.
- Apple accounted for one in every four smartphones sold in China during October, growing 37% YoY, driven by the iPhone 17 series. All three iPhone 17 variants saw mid-to-high double-digit growth rates in October compared to the iPhone 16 series, with the base model continuing to grow fastest.
- OPPO’s growth is notable as it rides the success of its flagship Find X9 series, which boasts excellent cameras and big batteries.
- Xiaomi secured the No. 2 spot in October for the first time in over a decade, with sell-through driven by its strong portfolio, including the Xiaomi 17 series flagships that launched earlier in the cycle, capitalizing on the Mid-Autumn Festival sales period.
- Momentum continues to be with Apple in November, with the OEM on target for a best-ever December quarter.
Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo – November 18, 2025
China’s smartphone sales were up 8% in October, driven by Apple’s 37% YoY growth, according to preliminary figures from Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse Monthly Smartphone Sell-Through Tracker. “The iPhone 17 series continues to deliver for Apple, with the base and Pro models growing fastest,” said Senior Analyst Ivan Lam. “Share of new iPhone models is extremely high, at over 80% of unit sales, so we are likely to see growth amplified as rising ASPs (average selling prices) push the top line higher.”
China October Smartphone Sell-through Share by Key OEM
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
It is the best ever start to a December quarter for Apple, with total sell-through far surpassing its previous peak in October 2021. One in four smartphones sold in China during October was an iPhone – a milestone hit only once before, in 2022, when Apple had fewer rivals in the premium segment.
iPhone Share of China Smartphone Sell-through
OPPO is punching above its weight, being the second biggest driver of domestic smartphone growth on the success of its flagship Find X9 series, which boasts excellent cameras and battery life, as well as its Reno 14 series devices targeting younger users.
Xiaomi’s early launch of the Xiaomi 17 series, coupled with its broad portfolio, allowed it to capture the No. 2 spot domestically for the first time in over a decade.
Momentum continues to be with Apple moving into November and is in line with the brand hitting its best-ever December quarter. “There is always some risk, especially with the much-expected Huawei Mate 80 series launching on November 25,” said Lam. “But there’s a lot of momentum behind Apple at this point. There is not much tapering to indicate a steep drop off.”
Related research: China Smartphone Market off to Strong Q4 on Stellar iPhone Sales
About Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm specializing in products across the technology ecosystem. We advise a diverse range of clients – from smartphone OEMs to chipmakers and channel players to Big Tech – through our offices located in the world's major innovation hubs, manufacturing clusters and commercial centers. Our analyst team, led by seasoned experts, engages with stakeholders across the enterprise – from the C-suite to professionals in strategy, analyst relations (AR), market intelligence (MI), business intelligence (BI), product and marketing – to deliver services spanning market data, industry thought leadership and consulting. Our core areas of coverage include AI, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Displays, eSIM, IoT, Location Platforms, Macroeconomics, Manufacturing, Networks and Infrastructure, Semiconductors, Smartphones and Wearables. Visit our Insights page to explore our publicly available market data, insights and thought leadership, and to understand our focus, meet our analysts and start a conversation.
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Author
Ivan Lam
Ivan is a Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, based in Hong Kong. He has more than 15 years of experience, with a major focus on mobile and network devices. He has spent years in Southeast Asia markets working in business development, brand management, and channel management. In addition to his expertise in Southeast Asia, he is also well connected with the ODM and OEM sectors. Prior to joining Counterpoint Research, Ivan served at TCL Communication, KaiOS Technologies Inc., and Wiko Mobile, mainly leading business development, go-to-market strategy, and strategic planning. Ivan holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.