# Chinese smartphone market trends and Apple performance > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-smartphone-market-trends-and-apple-performance > Updated: 2026-11-04T10:28:08.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 4. The Chinese smartphone market experienced a significant contraction in the third quarter of 2026, with shipment volumes falling to 59.3 million units, the lowest level since 2013. While the overall market saw a 12% decline, Huawei maintained a 21% market share in the region. Despite the broader market downturn, Apple demonstrated resilience. Global sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max series rose by 3.1% during their initial three weeks. This growth was largely driven by a 29% surge in sales within China, which helped offset declines in the United States and Japan. Analysts attribute the Chinese surge to improved product availability and higher prices for competing premium Android smartphones. In China, Apple occupied the top five positions in weekly smartphone activations during the week of October 19 to 25. The iPhone 18 Pro Max led with approximately 724,000 units, followed by the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple’s first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, also saw initial demand with approximately 125,000 activations within its first three days of sale. The iPhone 18 Pro Max remains the primary sales driver, accounting for 56% of the series sales. In the United States, sales decreased by 4%, with reports suggesting consumers perceived insufficient design or feature improvements to justify upgrading. Japan experienced a more significant 27% drop, exacerbated by currency exchange rates that amplified price increases. On a global scale, smartphone shipments fell 20% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026 to 254.7 million units. While Samsung maintained market leadership, Apple’s shipments remained flat at 56.5 million units, allowing the company to increase its market share. Analysts at Omdia note that rising memory costs are placing heavy pressure on manufacturers, squeezing margins and forcing price increases. This trend has reduced affordable smartphone options, though the premium market remains resilient. ## Claims - Rising memory costs are a factor in the decline of smartphone shipments. (reported by 5 sources) - Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year-on-year in Q3 2026. (reported by 3 sources) - Q3 2026 smartphone shipments reached 254.7 million units. (reported by 3 sources) - Samsung shipments in Q3 2026 were 57.8 million units. (reported by 3 sources) - Apple shipments in Q3 2026 were 56.5 million units. (reported by 3 sources) - iPhone 18 Pro series domestic sales in China exceeded 6 million units by week 43 of 2026. (reported by 2 sources) - Xiaomi shipments fell 29% in Q3 2026. (reported by 2 sources) - OPPO shipments fell 39% in Q3 2026. (reported by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Global smartphone shipments fall 20% in Q3 2026 Global smartphone shipments dropped 20% in Q3 2026 due to rising memory costs. Samsung and Apple lead the market, while analysts predict continued volatility through 2027. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/smartphone-market-shipments-face-decline-amid-rising-memory-costs ### 2026-10-30: Smartphone market shipments decline 20% in Q3 2026 Global smartphone shipments dropped 20% in Q3 2026 to 254.7 million units, driven by rising component costs and higher consumer prices. Samsung leads the market while Apple maintains stable shipments. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-iphone-18-pro-sales-rise-in-china-despite-declines-in-us-and-japan ### 2026-10-29: Apple iPhone 18 Pro series sees global sales growth driven by China Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series saw a 3.1% global sales increase in its first three weeks, fueled by a 29% surge in China despite declines in the US and Japan. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-iphone-18-pro-global-sales-rise-driven-by-china ### 2026-10-17: Smartphone market hits lowest levels since 2013 in China The Chinese smartphone market hit a post-2013 low, yet Apple shows resilience with growth amid a projected global market contraction driven by rising component costs. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-unveils-new-apple-tv-4k-with-siri-ai-and-a19-chip --- Cite as: Chinese smartphone market trends and Apple performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-smartphone-market-trends-and-apple-performance