Apple (AAPL) Dominates China Again: iPhone Sales Surge in May 2025

Apple''s iPhone sales skyrocket in China, reclaiming the top spot in May 2025. The tech giant''s resurgence comes amid fierce competition and shifting consumer trends.

Analysts attribute the rebound to aggressive pricing strategies and pent-up demand for the latest iPhone models. But skeptics warn the rally might just be another temporary blip in China''s volatile smartphone market.

Meanwhile, crypto traders joke that Tim Cook should''ve added a Bitcoin wallet to really juice those numbers—after all, even Shopify''s jumping on stablecoins now.

Confident Investing Starts Here:

• Easily unpack a company''s performance with TipRanks'' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions
• Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks'' Smart Value Newsletter

During April and May, global iPhone sales ROSE 15% compared to the same period last year. Most of that growth came from Apple’s two biggest markets—China and the United States. The company also saw solid gains in Japan, India, and the Middle East.

Discounts Drive Demand in China

One major reason for Apple’s strong showing in China was a series of price cuts offered last month. Facing tough competition from local brands like Huawei, Apple slashed prices on its latest iPhone 16 models by as much as 2,530 yuan (around $351). These discounts helped bring more buyers back to the brand.

But this may only be a short-term move. While the lower prices gave Apple a boost, the company still needs a stronger long-term plan to hold its ground in China’s fast-moving smartphone market.

Also, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) reflects Apple’s strong position in China. In April, shipments of foreign-branded phones in China rose slightly from 3.50 million to 3.52 million units year-over-year. While the increase is small, it shows that Apple is still holding on in a market where competition is fierce.

Analyst Says Q2 iPhone Outlook Looks Positive

According to Counterpoint analyst Ivan Lam, iPhone sales for the second quarter “look promising.” However, he added that much depends on steady demand in both China and the U.S., two key markets that could swing the final outcome.

Despite growing competition, Apple’s strong brand and smart pricing may help keep it ahead, at least for now.

Is AAPL a Good Stock to Buy?

On TipRanks, AAPL has a Moderate Buy consensus based on 16 Buy, nine Hold, and four Sell ratings assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. The average AAPL price target of $226.94 per share implies 13.93% upside potential.