Apple reclaimed the number one spot in China for the first time in six years in the fourth quarter of the year, after hitting a record high in the market.
According to Counterpoint Research, the giant had 23% of the market and sales grew 32% in the December quarter.
Despite a 9% decline in China's overall smartphone sales, Apple saw solid growth thanks to the launch of the new iPhone 13 line-up.
The new iPhone 13 has led the success due to a relatively lower starting price in China, as well as the new camera and 5G features.
5G refers to next-generation super-fast internet which is rolling out around the world and particularly quickly in China.
Apple's main competitor in the premium market faced declining sales due to the ongoing US sanctions.
U.S. sanctions have crippled the company, which used to be the number one player in China and the world.
Counterpoint Research said that in the fourth quarter, sales of the company declined by more than 70%.
The Chinese brand had a market share of 19%.
The fourth biggest player with 15% market share was Honor, the brand that was spun off into a separate business from Huawei.
All of these brands are Chinese domestic brands that have grown in the global markets.
Counterpoint Research said that sales in China's smartphone market fell for a number of reasons.
The ability for vendors to ship phones has been impacted by the global component shortage.
China's average smartphone replacement cycle is getting longer.
China is experiencing a complex economic environment where exports are driving the growth and domestic spending is lackluster.
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