Previously, domestic media reported that iPhone 16 sales had plummeted in the Chinese market. However, with more data coming to light, analysis agencies have provided a different answer, pointing out that iPhone 16 sales have increased in China. Apple has also recently provided an answer, stating that iPhone sales have not plummeted in the Chinese market.

Apple's earnings report revealed a 6% increase in global revenue for iPhones in the third quarter. Among these, only the Chinese market (Greater China, including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau) saw a slight decline of 0.3%, while all other markets recorded growth. Specifically, the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, experienced a significant 17% increase in revenue.

Analysis agencies provided even more optimistic data, indicating that iPhone 16 sales in China increased by 20% in the first few weeks. The iPhone 16 Pro series saw an even more substantial growth of 40% in the Chinese market. Another analysis agency pointed out that iPhone sales in China increased by 2% in the third quarter, during which iPhone 16 was available for approximately two weeks.

Such data proves that the so-called plunge in iPhone 16 sales in the Chinese market is completely unfounded, contrary to expectations of a decline in iPhone sales.

The continued popularity of iPhone 16 in the Chinese market can be attributed to its increased value without a price increase. All iPhone 16 models are equipped with the A18 processor, and the standard version even features an additional 2GB of RAM, all at the same starting price as the iPhone 15.

With its affordable price and leading technological advantages, the A18 Pro processor remains superior in performance, even compared to Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 surpasses the A18 processor in single-core performance, it lags behind the A18 Pro. Coupled with the unique advantages of the iOS system, Apple continues to dominate the mobile phone market.

The relatively affordable pricing of iPhone 16 has been further fueled by intense domestic e-commerce competition. Upon its launch, domestic e-commerce platforms offered direct discounts of up to 600 yuan, reducing the price to as low as 5,399 yuan. Additionally, subsidies for trade-ins were provided, totaling up to 1,600 yuan, making it easier for consumers to purchase iPhone 16.

Domestic mobile phones highlight the cost-effectiveness of iPhone 16. This year, new domestic flagship phones have seen price increases, generally rising to 4,499 yuan, narrowing the gap with the starting price of iPhone 16. High-end Pro series models have even surpassed the pricing of iPhone 16, further emphasizing the affordability of iPhone 16.

During the 618 sales period this year, consumers voted with their feet against domestic mobile phones. Due to limited discounts on new domestic flagship phones, which were often only 100-200 yuan, consumers turned away from these models. Instead, they opted for heavily discounted previous-generation Snapdragon 8G2 phones or even iPhone models.

In contrast, Apple aggressively promoted iPhone 15 during the 618 sales period, offering discounts of up to 2,350 yuan, bringing the starting price below 4,500 yuan. As a result, iPhone 15 emerged as the winner of the 618 sales, occupying the top three spots on the best-selling list.

The third quarter, encompassing the peak summer vacation sales period, saw Apple maintain promotional offers on iPhone 15. In contrast, domestic mobile phone brands were overly confident and did not offer significant discounts until near the end of the summer vacation. By then, however, iPhone 16 was about to be launched. These factors contributed to Apple maintaining stable performance in the third quarter, contrary to media reports of a significant decline in iPhone sales in the Chinese market.