Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) might lastly be regaining floor in China after months of slowing gross sales, and analysts warn that Xiaomi Corp. (OTC: XIACY) (OTC: XIACF) will quickly face renewed competitors from Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup.
Apple inventory has gained 4.76% to date in 2025 and is up 9.64% over the previous 12 months, in accordance with Benzinga Professional.
Analyst Flags Shift In China’s Smartphone Market
On Monday, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned Apple’s iPhone enterprise in China has “put the worst behind it.”
Taking to X, previously Twitter, he famous that Apple’s rebound poses a direct problem to Xiaomi, which final week launched its 17 Collection in Beijing.
Kuo added that Xiaomi’s customary 17 mannequin has underperformed expectations, resulting in an estimated 20% cargo lower for the sequence.
“If there is no such thing as a additional step-up in pricing or advertising going ahead, whole shipments for the 17 sequence might fall under the 15 sequence’ ~8 million models,” he wrote on X.
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Apple’s 2026 Fashions Loom Over Xiaomi
In line with Kuo, Xiaomi’s aggressive stress is ready to accentuate in 2026 when Apple is anticipated to roll out two new merchandise: a revamped iPhone SE within the first half of the yr and a brand new high-end iPhone sequence within the second half.
The analyst prompt that Apple’s resurgence might squeeze Xiaomi’s premium smartphone ambitions simply because it makes an attempt to claw market share again from each Apple and Huawei Applied sciences.
Xiaomi’s Wrestle To Stability Lineup
Kuo mentioned the demand shortfall stems largely from weak uptake of the usual Xiaomi 17 mannequin, which was anticipated to account for 50% to 55% of shipments however is as a substitute monitoring nearer to fifteen% to twenty%.
Whereas Professional and Professional Max fashions have seen incremental orders, they haven’t been sufficient to offset the decline.
Xiaomi may have to chop costs throughout China’s Nationwide Day Golden Week to drive shipments larger, Kuo mentioned, warning that the corporate’s long-term premium technique will hinge on the success of its 18 Collection and on-device AI roadmap.
Apple’s Restoration In China
In the meantime, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup, launched Sept. 19 in China and India, is already producing sturdy demand, significantly for the Professional Max mannequin priced at 9,999 yuan ($1,406).
Analysts forecast iPhone shipments in China will rise 11% year-over-year within the second half of 2025, serving to Apple publish 5% annual progress regardless of earlier declines.
Globally, Apple instructions 25.71% smartphone market share, forward of Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC: SSNLF) at 20.96% and Xiaomi at 10.82%, in accordance with Statcounter.
Benzinga’s Edge Inventory Rankings present that AAPL continues to pattern larger throughout quick, medium and long-term horizons, with extra detailed efficiency insights accessible right here.
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Disclaimer: This content material was partially produced with the assistance of AI instruments and was reviewed and printed by Benzinga editors.
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