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Apple needs China more than China needs Apple

iPhone sales slip as government imposes bans and local rivals seize market share but Apple still uses Chinese firms for over 80% of its supplies

by Scott Foster April 29, 2024May 1, 2024

Apple needs China more than China needs Apple. Image: X Screengrab

Apple has slipped to fifth place in China’s cellphone sales ranking, outsold by local rivals Huawei, OPPO, Honor and vivo.

Chinese cellphones are closing the performance gap with Apple’s iPhone while US government harassment of Chinese tech companies has made buying local a source of national pride for some.

Chinese authorities have also imposed local restrictions on Apple, including bans on using iPhones at certain state agencies and state-linked companies in at least eight provinces due to security concerns.