Apple Boosts Global Product Sales Despite Weak China iPhone Demand

Apple China

Metal Demand Poised to Remain Strong as Apple Sales Climb

Apple Inc. has increased its overall product sales in the first fiscal quarter, despite facing headwinds in China’s smartphone market. The boost in global performance highlights ongoing strong demand for critical tech hardware and suggests sustained demand for key industrial and minor metals.

Apple Rises on Strong Holiday Demand, iPhone 16 Series Success

Apple reported nearly $98 billion in net product sales from October to December, up from $70 billion in the previous quarter. Although iPhone sales to China fell due to intensifying competition from Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi, total iPhone sales still rose to $69.1 billion, driven by the global launch of the iPhone 16 series and strong holiday shopping.

Apple's iPhone 16 saw increased uptake where Apple Intelligence was available, boosting performance outside China. However, Apple Intelligence has not launched in China, impacting its market share there. Despite the regional setback, overall iPhone sales declined less than 1% compared to the same quarter in 2023.

Mac and iPad Sales Grow, Metal Demand Remains Steady

Apple also saw growth in its computer and tablet lines, with Mac sales rising 13% to nearly $9 billion and iPad sales increasing to $8.1 billion. However, wearables and home accessories dropped slightly, totaling $11.5 billion compared to $12 billion the year before.

Given Apple’s reliance on critical raw materials—including cobalt, lithium, rare earths, and base metals such as aluminum, copper, and zinc—this sustained sales momentum is likely to support steady demand across global metal supply chains. As Apple ramps up innovation and new product rollouts, metal producers will closely monitor its trajectory.