China is one of Apple’s biggest markets for the iPhone. The company’s flagship handset has done very well in one of the world’s most lucrative smartphone markets despite the fact that local rivals have a commanding position in the market as well. However, due to recent events, Apple’s brand image is said to be declining rapidly in China.
This might lead to iPhone sales taking a significant hit this year. Analysts predict that the iPhone could be one of the victims of the ongoing bitter trade dispute between the United States and China which has already resulted in a wide-ranging ban on Huawei.
According to reports, the ongoing trade dispute has resulted in something of an informal boycott of Apple products by customers in China. This will have a direct impact on iPhone sales in the country and it would surely reflect on Apple’s bottom line. It’s also feared that the Chinese government’s next move in the ongoing trade dispute could result in Apple’s access to the Chinese market being restricted. That would also prove to be very damaging to overall iPhone sales.
The trade dispute may compel Chinese citizens to shun Apple products and purchase devices from domestic brands instead, even more so than they already do. Apple reportedly shipped 6.5 million iPhones in China in the first three months of this year. The current quarter’s data will paint a clearer picture of the Chinese market’s recent behavior to the iPhone.
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