BEIJING, July 25 Reuters Apple39;s market share in China shrank by two percentage points in the second quarter of 2024, as the tech giant faced intensifying competition from rivals like Huawei HWT.UL, according to data from market research firm Canalys.

The decline underscores the difficulties the U.S. tech giant faces in its thirdlargest market.

Huawei39;s smartphone shipments surged 41 yearonyear in the the quarter, bolstered by the launch of its new Pura 70 series in April.

The Canalys data, while not providing specific shipment figures for Apple, showed that the company39;s market share in China dropped to 14 in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease from 16 in the same quarter of 2023.

As a result of this decline, Apple39;s ranking in the Chinese smartphone market fell from third to sixth place.

Overall, China39;s smartphone shipments rose by 10 in the quarter, Canalys said. Vivo was the top vendor with a share of 19, followed by Oppo, Honor and Huawei with 16, 15 and 15 respectively.

Domestic manufacturers have demonstrated market leadership, occupying the top five positions in the mainland Chinese market for the first time in history, said Lucas Zhong, research analyst at Canalys.

On the other hand, Apple faces growth pressure in the Chinese market and is actively focusing on optimising channel management.

Huawei made a comeback to the highend smartphone segment last August with the release of a device powered by a domesticallymade chip, defying U.S….