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Why is China falling out of love with the iPhone?

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In the first six weeks of 2024, Apple witnessed a significant 24% year-on-year decline in iPhone sales in China, according to research conducted by Counterpoint.

This dip has raised concerns over the tech giant’s market performance, particularly as it faces intensified competition from domestic contenders like Huawei.

Counterpoint’s findings reveal a contrasting scenario for Huawei, which saw a remarkable 64% surge in unit sales during the same period, solidifying its position as a formidable rival to Apple in the premium smartphone segment in China.

The implications of this decline in iPhone sales have been reflected in Apple’s revenue forecast for the current quarter, which falls a staggering $6 billion below Wall Street’s expectations.

Sharp decline

Apple’s market share in the Chinese smartphone arena has also experienced a notable setback, dropping to 15.7% and placing the company in fourth position.

This is a sharp decline from its second-place ranking a year ago when it commanded a 19% market share.

The repercussions of Apple’s slump were evident in the stock market, with shares of the company dipping nearly 3% on Tuesday. Year-to-date, Apple’s stocks have depreciated by approximately 10%, trailing behind its major tech counterparts in the United States.

Counterpoint’s analysis points to a broader trend in the Chinese smartphone market, which contracted by 7% overall.

Huawei, now occupying second place, expanded its market share to 16.5% from 9.4% a year earlier, signaling a resurgence for the brand.

Mengmeng Zhang, a senior analyst at Counterpoint, attributed Apple’s challenges to stiff competition from Huawei at the high end and aggressive pricing strategies from other domestic players like OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi.

In response to this competitive landscape, Apple initiated price subsidies for select iPhone models, offering discounts of up to 1,300 yuan ($180.68) through its flagship stores on Tmall, Alibaba’s major marketplace platform.

This move follows earlier discounts of up to 500 yuan offered on its official sites last month.

Huawei’s resurgence in the premium smartphone segment can be attributed to its Mate 60 series release in August, marking a turnaround after years of grappling with US restrictions on critical component exports.

Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

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Apple unveils thinner iPhone Air to excite upgrades

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

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In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.

This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.Banner

The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.

The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.

Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.

Design Innovations

Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.

However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.

Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.

“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”

Other devices

The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.

Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.

Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.

Apple shares down after event concludes

Investors appeared indifferent to Apple’s latest product announcements, including the new iPhone Air model and Apple Series 11 Watch.

As a result, Apple shares fell by approximately 1.5% after the event concluded.


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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite tariff management

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

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In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.Banner

Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.

CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.

Pricing Trends

Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.

While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.

Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.


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Google avoids major penalties in U.S. antitrust case

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

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In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.

Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.

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The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.

This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.

Future Innovations

The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.

Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.

In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.


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