Key HighlightsYear-over-year iPhone 18 Pro sales growth in China reached 12% during launch weekApple secured the leading position with 33% of China’s weekly smartphone marketAAPL shares dropped 3% despite encouraging sales performanceDomestic Chinese competitors increased flagship device prices by more than $200, reducing price advantageProjected sales of 6 million units for Apple’s inaugural foldable device, iPhone Duo, in 2025Despite promising iPhone 18 Pro performance in the Chinese market, Apple stock experienced a 3% decline, settling around $329. The stock’s downward movement occurred even as positive sales figures emerged, demonstrating how market reactions can diverge from favorable news.Apple Inc., AAPLAccording to data from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 18 Pro achieved a 12% year-over-year increase in Chinese sales when measured against the previous Pro model’s debut. This calculation encompasses merely three days of transactions, as the device became available only toward the conclusion of the measurement period.During that week, Apple commanded an impressive 33% share of China’s smartphone sector. This performance positioned the company ahead of all competing domestic manufacturers.The iPhone 18 Pro series is selling even better in China this year.First-week sales reached approximately 1.3 million units, about 15% higher than the iPhone 17 Pro series during the same period.The iPhone 18 Pro series appears to be even more popular this year.— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) September 28, 2026Additional data from Chinese technology commentator “RD Observation” suggests even stronger performance. According to these estimates, total sell-through volume approached 1.3 million devices during the initial seven-day period.Strategic timing influenced these results significantly. This year, Apple chose not to release the standard iPhone 18 alongside the Pro models, effectively channeling consumers interested in upgrades toward the premium-priced Pro variants.Competitor Pricing Shifts Leveled Playing FieldDomestic Chinese smartphone manufacturers implemented price increases exceeding $200 for their flagship devices this cycle. These adjustments stemmed from escalating costs for memory components and processing chips.This pricing adjustment reduced the cost differential between locally-produced devices and Apple’s offerings. Industry analyst Ivan Lam noted this development made iPhone pricing appear more competitive in the market.In China, the iPhone 18 Pro carries a starting price of CNY 9,999, approximately $1,500 USD. The Pro Max variant begins at CNY 10,999, translating to roughly $1,600.Apple’s product release approach differed markedly this generation. The company introduced its Pro series alongside its debut foldable device in autumn, while postponing the standard iPhone 18 release until spring.Entering the Foldable MarketThe foldable device, branded as iPhone Duo, won’t reach retail channels until October. Nevertheless, Counterpoint Research has already projected approximately 6 million unit sales for the current year.With a $1,999 price tag, the Duo represents Apple’s premium offering. According to Counterpoint, this sales volume indicates positioning as a specialized product rather than mass-market flagship.Market analysis firm IDC anticipates the Duo will contribute to a 13% increase in worldwide foldable smartphone shipments this year, reaching 22.9 million units total. IDC observed that the foldable category would likely have contracted without Apple’s market participation.These developments occurred against challenging market conditions. China’s total smartphone sales contracted 17% year-over-year during the same week, extending a pattern of significant double-digit decreases attributed to weak consumer demand and elevated component pricing.Huawei simultaneously introduced a competing device during this period. The Pura X View features a wide-format display targeting consumers seeking expanded screen real estate without adopting foldable technology.Counterpoint projects that the latest generation of Chinese flagship smartphones will deliver weaker fourth-quarter performance compared to their predecessors. The firm attributes this expected slowdown primarily to increased costs associated with 2-nanometer chip technology and more expensive memory components.The post Apple (AAPL) Stock Dips 3% Despite Strong iPhone 18 Pro Sales in China appeared first on Blockonomi.