By Deborah Nnamdi
Huawei has regained its position as China’s leading smartphone brand for the first time in over four years, outpacing U.S. tech giant Apple and domestic competitors like Xiaomi, according to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC).
In the second quarter of 2025, the Shenzhen-based company captured an 18.1% share of the Chinese market, shipping 12.5 million units. This marks a major comeback for Huawei, which has spent years navigating U.S. export restrictions, European bans, and an ongoing corruption probe in Belgium.
Meanwhile, Apple fell to fifth place with a 13.9% market share and 9.6 million units shipped, amid a prolonged downturn in Chinese iPhone sales.
Overall, China’s smartphone market contracted after six consecutive quarters of growth. Shipments totaled 69 million units, down 4% year-on-year.
“Despite a recent thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions, economic uncertainty continues to weigh on consumer confidence,” said Arthur Guo, senior research analyst at IDC. “A strong rebound in smartphone demand appears unlikely in the near term.”
The turnaround for Huawei comes despite persistent U.S. sanctions that have limited its access to American technology since 2019. The company has since accelerated efforts to develop its hardware and software.
Huawei has long denied allegations from Washington that its equipment could be used for espionage by Beijing—a claim central to the broader U.S.-China tech standoff.
Despite macroeconomic headwinds, China’s economy grew over 5% in Q2, according to official data.
