$AAPL - CHINA SMARTPHONE SALES SLUMP 23% AS HUAWEI LEADS, APPLE BUCKS TREND China’s smartphone sales fell 23% year over year in January 2026, hit by a tough comparison with last year’s subsidy-driven surge and a shift in Lunar New Year timing, Counterpoint data show. Huawei led the market with a 19% share despite a 27% sales drop, supported by aggressive trade-in offers and subsidies. Apple was the only major brand to post growth, reaching its highest January share in five years as the iPhone 17 gained traction and qualified for government subsidies. Demand remains soft, though sales are expected to improve in February with seasonal Lunar New Year buying.