Apple’s AI delay, regulatory pressure undermine China market position: Analysts say Huawei, Xiaomi steal market share

Apple is grappling with a significant slowdown in China as rising competition from domestic smartphone brands and regulatory hurdles erode its position in what was once its fastest-growing market. The iPhone maker reported a 2.3 per cent drop in sales in China for its second fiscal quarter, pulling in $16 billion—short of analyst expectations of $16.83 billion.

The shortfall highlights growing challenges for the Cupertino-based company, as Chinese consumers increasingly turn to local alternatives like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo.