On January 16th, market analysis firm Canalys disclosed data showing that in the fourth quarter of 2023, the global smartphone market grew by 8%, reaching 320 million units, ending seven consecutive quarters of decline.
Thanks to the release of the new iPhone, Apple led the market with 24% of shipments in the fourth quarter. Samsung ranks second with 17%. Xiaomi ranks third, with a year-on-year growth of over 20% in the fourth quarter. Chuanyin rose to fourth place for the first time, benefiting from the recovery of emerging markets. Vivo finished in the top five with a 7% market share.
According to Canalys data, the total global shipment of smartphones in 2023 was 1.1 billion units, a year-on-year decrease of 4%. Apple surpassed Samsung for the first time, becoming the manufacturer with the highest annual shipment volume, with both having a market share of 20%. Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion respectively hold 13%, 9%, and 8% of the market share.
On January 15th, the topic # Rare Big Price Reduction on Apple's Official Website # made it onto the hot search list, sparking heated discussions among netizens.
On January 15th, Apple's official website in China announced the launch of a limited time promotion for the Chinese New Year from January 18th to 21st. Apple introduces that purchasing iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, or iPhone 13 through eligible payment methods can save up to RMB 500 *.
Purchase a 13 inch or 15 inch MacBook Air (M2 chip model) or a 13 inch MacBook Air (M1 chip model) using a payment method that meets the conditions, and save up to RMB 800 *. Purchase an iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad (10th generation), or iPad mini using a payment method that meets the conditions, and can save up to RMB 400 *. Buying an Apple Watch SE through a payment method that meets the conditions can save RMB 200 *.
Previously, analysts at Wall Street investment bank Jefferies reported in a report that Apple's iPhone sales in China decreased by 30% in the first week of 2024.
According to Securities Times, on January 12th local time, investment research firm Hedgeye announced that it will list Apple as its latest short selling target. Hedgeye predicts that Apple's revenue growth will be lackluster until 2025, as iPhone sales are weak, innovation is lacking, and Microsoft's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities intensify competition in the personal computer (PC) market. Hedgeye also predicts that Apple's stock price will plummet by 30% from its current level.
As of the time of publication, Apple (AAPL) fell 1.52% in the US stock market before the market closed.