Apple China Sales Jump 23% in Early 2026, Defying Smartphone Market Slump

In early 2026, Apple pulled off a big win in one of the world’s most important tech markets: China. We’re seeing reports that Apple’s smartphone sales in China rose by 23% in the first nine weeks of the year. This jump stands out because the overall smartphone market in China is struggling. Most brands are feeling headwinds, but Apple is bucking the trend. This growth didn’t happen by accident. We from the tech beat have watched Apple adjust its strategy. It’s a mix of pricing, timing, consumer trends, and strong demand for the iPhone lineup.