The popularity of Apple smartphones in China is declining compared to domestic manufacturers. In the world’s largest smartphone market, iPhone sales fell by 0.3 percent in the third quarter, while rival Huawei recorded an increase of 42 percent, according to data released by US market research company IDC on Friday. This caused Apple’s market share to fall by half a percentage point to 15.6 percent. However, the US tech company still narrowly secured second place, closely followed by Huawei with 15.3 percent. The frontrunner is Chinese manufacturer Vivo, with a share of 18.6 percent. According to the IDC, however, Apple managed to make up ground with its new iPhones. „With its annual new product launch, Apple returned to China’s top five market rankings,“ it said. Apple presented its new iPhone 16 series at the beginning of September. Overall, smartphone sales in China increased by 3.2 percent to 68.78 million units. rtr