Apple and Huawei have emerged as outliers in China’s shrinking smartphone market, with both manufacturers increasing shipments in the second quarter of 2026 even as the broader industry suffered a year-on-year decline, according to figures from IDC.
The research firm reported that total smartphone shipments in China fell by a low single-digit percentage in the three months to June, extending a period of subdued demand that has weighed on the world’s largest handset market. IDC attributed the overall drop to weaker consumer sentiment and a lengthening replacement cycle among Chinese buyers.
Apple’s performance was buoyed by strong sales of its latest iPhone models, particularly among premium buyers in tier-one cities. Huawei, meanwhile, continued to recover from earlier supply constraints, capitalising on domestic patriotism and its own chip development efforts. The two companies were the only major vendors to post shipment increases during the quarter, IDC said.
In contrast, Chinese rivals Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo all recorded lower shipments, with the mid-tier segment coming under particular pressure. The figures underscore a polarising market in which premium devices and domestically branded flagships are outperforming mass-market models.
For UK investors, the data offers a mixed signal. Companies with exposure to Chinese consumer demand, including chip designers and component suppliers listed in London, may see revenues affected by the broader slowdown. However, the resilience of Apple and Huawei suggests that premium and differentiated products can still capture market share even in a contracting environment.
Analysts at IDC noted that the outlook for the second half of the year remains uncertain, with a potential recovery hinging on improved consumer confidence and any fresh stimulus measures from Beijing. “The market is clearly bifurcating,” one analyst commented. “Brands that can offer compelling innovation or a strong brand story are weathering the storm better than those relying on volume alone.”