Apple recorded a year-on-year increase in iPhone shipments in China during January, outperforming the industry as the only major brand to post growth in the period.

Data shows total smartphone shipments in China fell 23% year-on-year in January, marking one of the steepest monthly declines in over five years.

The divergence underscores Apple's strong brand loyalty and premium positioning, which may help offset hardware revenue pressure and support services growth amid a broader market downturn.