China’s demand for 5G iPhone 12 Pro strong as Huawei faces chip supply issues, analyst Kuo Ming-chi says

The iPhone 12’s launch initially drew derision on Chinese social media, but that did not stop millions from signing up to buy it

China is estimated to account for 35 to 45 per cent of the global demand for iPhone 12 Pro, veteran Apple analyst Kuo Ming-chi says

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Apple CEO Tim Cook at the launch of Apple's iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Photo: Apple via PA Media/DPA

Published: 4:59pm, 19 Oct 2020Updated: 5:28pm, 9 Dec 2020

Strong demand for the new iPhone 12 Pro in China is helping to boost sales of the new Apple smartphone model to better-than-expected levels, according to a new report by TF Securities International analyst Kuo Ming-chi.

China is estimated to account for 35 to 45 per cent of the global demand for the iPhone 12 Pro, Kuo wrote in the report released on Monday, adding that consumers worldwide snapped up seven to nine million pre-orders of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro combined in the first weekend of sales.

“The iPhone 12 Pro pre-order performance beat our expectation due to the initial preference for high-end models by Apple fans, strong demand in China, and the upcoming peak seasonal demand from the US and Europe markets,” Kuo, who is known for his accurate predictions about Apple’s product development plans.

Kuo attributed China’s strong appetite for the new iPhones to the growing 5G infrastructure in the country, as well as demand transferred from Chinese smartphone giant Huawei Technologies, which is facing chip supply shortages due to US sanctions.

A separate IDC report last week said Apple is expected to grow its market share in the premium smartphone segment in China with the launch of the iPhone 12 series. The tech giant’s 4G phones accounted for 44 per cent of the market in the first half of 2020, slightly behind Huawei’s share of 44.1 per cent, according to IDC data.

The iPhone 12’s launch drew derision on Chinese social media initially due to Apple’s decision to exclude earphones and charger in the package, as well as its relatively late adoption of 5G support compared to domestic brands such as Huawei and Xiaomi, but that did not stop millions from signing up to buy it.