DEMAND for Apple Inc.’s latest iPhone lineup is weaker than for last year’s models in China, the most important overseas market of the U.S. firm.

Sales for the iPhone 15 series were down 6% in its launch month compared with iPhone 14 sales a year ago, data from market researcher GfK show.

Mobile industry tracker IDC estimates Apple’s shipments were down 4% in the third quarter, with both identifying Huawei Technologies Co.’s return to the mobile arena spotlight as a key event in the period.

Huawei’s Mate 60 series recorded sales of close to 1.5 million in its launch month, more than doubling from a year ago, GfK said, despite facing supply constraints.

“Against the backdrop of the strong growth of Huawei, Apple iPhone 15 series registered a 6% decline in sales,” said Hayden Hou, China senior analyst at GfK.

“Huawei Mate 60 series will continue to maintain its strong sales momentum going forward.” (SD-Agencies)