Huawei beats Apple again: Takes first place in the Chinese tablet market

In a remarkable turn of events, Huawei has once again overtaken Apple in the Chinese market, this time in the tablet market. Huawei’s resurgence in the smartphone market now extends to the tablet sector, where it holds the top spot in China. We recall that Huawei overtook Apple to the first place in the mobile phone market in China. Apple didn’t even make the top 5 and was categorized under “other”. Now the Chinese brand is doing the same in the tablet market. Once upon a time, the iPad was the “king” of the tablet market, and at that time the Android tablet remained stagnant for many years. But now the landscape of the tablet market has changed.

Resurgence of the tablet market

After experiencing a period of decline in 2023, China’s tablet market showed signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2024. IDC The report revealed that tablet market shipments in China reached 7.13 million units, marking a 6.6% year-on-year increase. Notably, the consumer market saw a significant growth of 10.7% year-on-year, while the commercial market also saw growth of 6.3%.

Huawei’s market dominance

Huawei’s tablet shipments in the first quarter of 2024 totaled 2.59 million units, securing the top spot in China’s tablet market share. This achievement is significant as Huawei surpassed Apple by more than 10%, demonstrating its stronghold in the tablet sector. The company’s success in the smartphone business has translated into a significant increase in its tablet market share, especially in the entry-level and mid-range price segments.

Apple’s position and challenges

Apple, which holds the second position in the tablet market, continues to maintain an advantage in the mid-to-high-end market. However, a lack of new products and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers led to a decline in Apple’s overall market share in the first quarter. Apple’s shipments have largely focused on clearing inventory of older models, underscoring the challenges it faces in a competitive market.

The rise and product strategy of Xiaomi

Xiaomi, occupying third place in terms of market share, has made significant strides with the launch of the new Pad 6S Pro. This version not only increased the supply, but also diversified Xiaomi’s product portfolio in the middle price segment. The introduction of the Pad 6S Pro contributed to the growth of Xiaomi’s market share in the US$400-600 price range, strengthening its position in the tablet market.

Honor’s position and market dynamics

Honor, ranked fourth in terms of market share, has improved its product structure in the US$200-400 price range. However, the brand faces challenges in the mid-to-high-end market due to its relatively limited product range, which affects its overall market share. The squeeze on Honor’s market share underscores the competitive nature of China’s tablet market.

Productivity and Lenovo product strategy

Lenovo, ranked fifth in market share, has focused its supply on the entry-level price segment. The introduction of plug-in tablets was a key driver of Lenovo’s shipment growth in the first quarter. The company’s strategic product offerings contributed to its performance, especially in the entry-level market segment.

Conclusion: The changing dynamics of China’s tablet market

The IDC report highlights the evolving landscape of China’s tablet market, with Huawei emerging as the leader in tablet shipments. Competition among the leading manufacturers is intensifying, with Huawei’s dominance expanding and Apple facing challenges in maintaining its market share. Xiaomi, Honor and Lenovo are also key players in the market, each using different strategies to capture different price segments. China’s tablet market is witnessing a change in dynamics, with Huawei’s success signaling a new era of competition and innovation in the industry. What do you think of Huawei’s recent success in the Chinese smartphone and tablet market? Is it sustainable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below