IDC: Apple is the top smartphone vendor in China for Q1 2015

Two consecutive record breaking quarter results just ain't enough for Apple; IDC just released its latest report stating that Apple is the top smartphone vendor in China.

Based on IDC's report, Apple shipped a total of 14.5 million units in Q1 2015 which translates to a market share of 14.7 per cent. The Cupertino-based company ousted Xiaomi from the throne as the latter clinched second spot with shipments of 13.5 million units. Rounding up the top five are Huawei (11.4 per cent), Samsung (9.7 per cent) and Lenovo (8.3 per cent).

Strong demand for the bigger displays on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is cited as the main reason for Apple's growth in the Chinese market while stiffer competition in the low to mid-range market segments affected Xiaomi and the rest of the brands.

IDC also revealed a gloomy outlook; the Chinese market declined year-on-year for the first time in six years as it reached saturation point. Due to a large inventory buildup towards the end of 2014, the Chinese market contracted 8 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

With the Chinese market reaching its saturation point, it will be more difficult for phone makers to maintain their sales momentum as the majority of consumers now own smartphones. Phone brands face an uphill task in convincing existing users and feature phone owners to upgrade to new smartphones.

Source: IDC via GSMArena

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