Apple’s iPhone sales rise again, taking the lead in China

iPhone 17

Apple’s iPhone sales have jumped by 15% worldwide in April and May 2025, marking the company’s best two-month performance since the pandemic began. This growth was mainly driven by strong demand in the United States and China, which are Apple’s biggest markets. For the first time in a while, Apple reclaimed the top spot in China, bouncing back after losing ground to local brands like Huawei.

The boost in sales came as both the U.S. and China returned to growth after three years of declining numbers during this usually slow period. In China, Apple’s success was helped by big discounts on the latest iPhone 16 models offered by online retailers. These price cuts made iPhones more appealing, especially as competition from Chinese smartphone makers has become tougher.

Besides China and the U.S., Apple also saw double-digit sales growth in Japan, India, and the Middle East. In Japan, the more affordable iPhone 16e was especially popular, showing that lower-priced models are attracting new buyers. In India, Apple continues to expand its manufacturing and sales presence, making the country an important part of its long-term plans.

Experts say that while Apple’s recent performance is impressive, future sales will still depend heavily on how things go in the U.S. and China. For now, Apple seems to have found the right mix of pricing and promotion to win back customers in key markets.