Is Apple's Future in China Bleak? TechInsights: Huawei's Rise Exacerbates Smartphone Market Polarization

Is Apple's Future in China Bleak? TechInsights: Huawei's Rise Exacerbates Smartphone Market PolarizationMarket research firm TechInsights has released a report on the mobile device market outlook for 2025, expressing cautious optimism about Apple's future in China. While noting Apple's recent stabilization in the Chinese market, the report remains skeptical about Apple's long-term prospects in China's smartphone and tablet market

Is Apple's Future in China Bleak? TechInsights: Huawei's Rise Exacerbates Smartphone Market Polarization

Market research firm TechInsights has released a report on the mobile device market outlook for 2025, expressing cautious optimism about Apple's future in China. While noting Apple's recent stabilization in the Chinese market, the report remains skeptical about Apple's long-term prospects in China's smartphone and tablet market.

The report particularly highlights the rise of Huawei. Huawei launched its flagship Mate60 Pro, equipped with a self-sufficient 5G chipset, marking a resilient comeback. This year, the launch of the Pura70 series further solidified Huawei's position in the high-end segment of the Chinese smartphone market.

The report also projects that China will remain the world's largest smartphone market and the second largest tablet market globally by 2025. The rise of mobile AI will fundamentally alter how consumers use smartphones and tablets, requiring more powerful hardware, which translates to a higher bill of materials (BOM) cost. OEMs might pass these costs on to consumers through higher prices.

With the introduction of innovative foldable models, the highest price points for smartphones will hit new records. TechInsights expects the smartphone and tablet market to continue its polarization trend through 2025, with high-end flagship models leading the price hikes and low-end entry-level models experiencing further cost compression.

The report also predicts a blurring of the lines between smartphones and tablets. Basic tablets will become low-end devices for children, while tablet manufacturers place greater emphasis on higher-value, productivity-focused detachable tablets.

TechInsights' report provides valuable insights into future mobile device market trends. The Chinese market is dynamic, and Huawei's resurgence and the adoption of mobile AI will profoundly impact the market competition. Apple's future in the Chinese market remains uncertain, while the polarization trend in the smartphone and tablet market will further intensify.