BEIJING, Oct 18 Reuters Apple Inc39;s new iPhones got off to a strong start in China, with their sales rising 20 in their first three weeks since their launch compared with its 2023 model, according to data from research firm Counterpoint.

Both Apple and Huawei39;s HWT.UL latest smartphones went on sale in China on Sept. 20, underscoring intensifying competition in the world39;s biggest smartphone market where the U.S. firm has been losing market share in recent quarters to domestic rivals.

We39;re seeing strong iPhone 16 series unit sales in China, Counterpoint said, adding the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models were doing particularly well, with their combined sales rising 44 compared with their equivalent 2023 versions.

Overall iPhone unit sales in China, however, dropped 2 year on year during the threeweek period because of decreased sales of older models and increased competition with Huawei39;s Mate and Pura series, it said.

Reporting by Yelin Mo and Miyoung Kim; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman

Source Reuters