Foreign Phone Shipments in China More Than Double as iPhone Sales Surge

Foreign-branded smartphone shipments in China more than doubled in November, driven largely by a sharp surge in Apple’s iPhone sales, according to data released by a government-linked research body.

iPhone shipments in China jumped 128.4% year-on-year in November, based on Reuters calculations using figures from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). The rebound marks a significant turnaround for foreign brands in the world’s largest smartphone market.

Overall mobile phone shipments in China reached 30.16 million units in November, up 1.9% compared to the same month last year, CAICT data showed. Within that total, foreign-branded phones accounted for 6.93 million units, highlighting strong renewed demand for non-Chinese manufacturers.

The November figures followed solid momentum from the previous month. Foreign-branded phone shipments hit 7.027 million units in October 2025, reflecting 13% year-on-year growth, according to the data.

China’s highly competitive smartphone market remains dominated by major players including vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei Technologies, Apple, Oppo, and Honor, with both domestic and international brands fighting for market share as consumer demand stabilizes.

FAQ

Why did foreign-branded phone shipments in China jump in November?
Foreign-branded phone shipments in China jumped because demand for iPhones rose sharply during November. Strong promotions, seasonal buying, and renewed consumer interest pushed shipments up more than 128%, according to CAICT data.

How many foreign-branded phones shipped in China in November?
Foreign-branded phone shipments in China reached about 6.93 million units in November. CAICT data shows that overseas brands captured a meaningful share of total phone shipments during the month.

Did overall phone shipments in China also increase in November?
Yes, overall phone shipments in China increased slightly in November. CAICT reported total shipments of 30.16 million units, marking 1.9% year-on-year growth alongside the surge in foreign-branded phone shipments in China.

Which brands drive foreign-branded phone shipments in China?
Apple drives most foreign-branded phone shipments in China, with the iPhone leading overseas brand sales. The broader Chinese smartphone market also includes major players like Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, Oppo, and Honor.