Apple's smartphone shipments in China plunged 25% in the fourth quarter of 2024, data from research firm Canalys showed, as the iPhone maker faced mounting pressure from a resurgent Huawei in one of its biggest global markets.

Smartphone shipments in China grew for a third consecutive quarter in Q4 after declining for more than two years, data from Canalys showed.

Apple lost its status as the best selling smartphone brand in the crucial Chinese market last year, new data showed Thursday, with a pair of local rivals surpassing it with surging shipments.

Apple smartphone shipments in China fell 25% in the fourth quarter, while Huawei's rose 24%, data from research firm Canalys showed on Thursday. Apple shipped 13.1 million units versus Huawei's 12.9 million,

Apple lost its No. 1 spot in China as domestic rivals took advantage of the iPhone maker’s lack of artificial intelligence features available on phones purchased in the country, according to data from research firm Canalys.