Apple’s launch of the iPhone 15 in China encountered difficulties amid the government ban and Huawei’s resurgence

According to the industry, Apple is facing one of its toughest sales seasons in China, with plans to launch the new iPhone 15 series next week just as the company’s products have been criticized by government agencies and authorities. State-owned enterprises in this country prohibit its use. analysts.

While China remains home to thousands of loyal Apple consumers, there are growing signs that the road ahead will be difficult for the Cupertino, California-based company, amid tensions. Geopolitical tensions continue and as Huawei Technologies tries to make a comeback with its new Mate 60. Professional phone.

“The new Mate phone will bring a serious challenge to Apple, which currently dominates the high-end segment of the Chinese phone market,” said Toby Zhu, an analyst at market research firm Canalys. . He noted that the key factor in the fight ahead will be the stability of Huawei’s supply chain.

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The Shenzhen-based telecommunications equipment giant shocked the Chinese smartphone market this month with the pre-sale of the new Mate 60 series, equipped with powerful processors despite Huawei’s struggles. subject to tough US trade sanctions. The surprise launch comes two weeks before Apple is expected to launch its latest iPhone 15 models.

This development comes despite iPhone sales falling 9.3% year-on-year globally, marking Apple’s highest second-quarter sales decline in eight years. As a result, industry analysts are increasingly interested in how Apple will sell the iPhone 15 in China.

According to market consulting firm Counterpoint, Apple’s current high-end models, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, were the two most popular devices in China last October.

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Even domestic iPhone investors are paying attention to the growing interest in new Huawei phones.

One such speculator outside the Apple Store located in Beijing’s posh Sanlitun area, said he has been keeping a close eye on things and is now planning to buy some Mate 60 Pro handsets along with other high-end iPhone 15 Pro model.

Sales staff at Huawei retail stores in Beijing and Sundan, a retail chain specializing in high-end electronics and home appliances, said they were out of stock of the Mate 60 Pro and new shipments would have to be made. takes up to two weeks.

A salesperson at the Sundan store in Beijing’s Wangjing area said they had about 20 customers who had pre-ordered the new Huawei phone. The anonymous assistant said most consumers who want the new phone are current Android users, although a few have switched from iPhones.

Another assistant at the Sundanese store in the Sanlitun area, who also requested anonymity, said the Mate 60 is benefiting from a wave of patriotism, with some local consumers cheering Huawei’s resistance to the orders. US sanctions.