Huawei vs. Apple: A Deep Dive into Features, Market Share & AI in 2025

Introduction

Imagine a world where Apple’s dominance is truly challenged—not just in China, but on a global scale. For many years Apple has held its position as the leading company by delivering premium iPhones. But Huawei is giving the tech giant a tough competition with innovations as a global competitor. The Chinese technology company moves forward through innovation by releasing the high-end Pura 70 Ultra smartphone with HarmonyOS operating system abilities.

Huawei is working to regain its market position, while Apple faces growing competition as the smartphone industry evolves quickly. Which company dominates the competition between Huawei and Apple? We will analyze this in the following blog by examining how each company performs on various basis like AI development and market share.

Huawei vs Apple: Market share

In 2024, Apple and Huawei maintained strong positions in the global smartphone market despite shifting dynamics. Apple held an 18% market share, shipping around 225.9 million iPhones, bolstered by its dominance in North America and Europe. However, competition from Chinese companies and slowing demand led to a slight decline in some regions.

Meanwhile, despite U.S. sanctions, Huawei held 4% of the global market, driven by strong China smartphone sales and new launches like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.

Huawei’s strategy focused on high-end models and AI-powered features, aiming to reclaim lost ground. As the rivalry intensifies, both brands are doubling down on innovation, AI integration, and ecosystem development to maintain their competitive edge.

Huawei vs Apple: Product Features

Huawei and Apple both make top smartphones but focus on different strengths. Apple’s iOS is smooth and connects easily with other Apple devices, while Huawei’s HarmonyOS works across multiple products. Apple’s A-series Bionic chips deliver fast performance, whereas Huawei’s Kirin chips focus on smart features.

For cameras, Huawei stands out with powerful zoom and AI photography, while Apple offers ProRAW, ProRes video, and Night Mode for high-quality images. Huawei’s SuperCharge technology enables fast charging, whereas Apple prioritizes long battery life and MagSafe charging.

Both brands integrate AI, with Apple’s Neural Engine boosting speed and Huawei’s AI enhancing battery life and photos. Apple excels in ecosystem connectivity, but Huawei’s strong hardware and 5G capabilities keep it competitive despite global challenges.

Huawei vs Apple: AI Advancements

Huawei and Apple both use Artificial Intelligence to make their smartphones better, but in different ways. Apple’s AI, powered by the Neural Engine, helps with Face ID, Siri, and better photos. It also improves battery life and language translation.

Huawei’s AI is built into its Kirin chips, making phones faster and more efficient. It improves camera quality, battery use, and voice recognition. Huawei also uses AI to make 5G connections stronger and faster.

While Apple’s AI focuses on making the phone easier to use and more secure, Huawei’s AI improves speed, battery, and network quality. Both brands keep improving AI to make their phones smarter.

Huawei vs Apple: Operating Systems

Apple and Huawei use different operating systems that shape how their devices work. Apple’s iOS is smooth, secure, and works well with other Apple products like MacBooks and iPads. It gets regular updates and has a strict App Store for safe apps.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS was created after U.S. bans stopped it from using Google services. It works across many devices, like phones, tablets, and smart TVs. Unlike iOS, HarmonyOS allows more customization and runs apps from different sources.

While iOS is known for its easy-to-use design and security, HarmonyOS focuses on flexibility and a connected ecosystem. Both offer unique benefits, depending on what users need.

Huawei vs Apple: New launches

Apple and Huawei have recently launched new smartphones with advanced features. While the iPhone 16 series is powered by the A18 chip, the “Pro” designation is specific to the iPhone 16 Pro models. It comes with better cameras, a new ‘Capture’ button, and a sleek titanium design. The Pro models have bigger screens and slimmer bezels for a premium feel.

Huawei has focused on improving its existing devices and software rather than launching new smartphones in 2025. However, its recent models, like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, continue to attract users with high-end cameras, fast processors, and strong battery life.

While Apple continues to dominate with yearly updates, Huawei is refining its technology and expanding its ecosystem to stay competitive.

Market Presence & Consumer Preferences

Smartrphones manufactured by Apple secure greater than 50% market share in the United States as well as European smartphone users and those in other worldwide developed regions. The company maintains its dominant position through strong brand attachment combined with premium pricing and perfect device interoperability.

Huawei maintains steady market success within Chinese smartphone markets along with specific areas of Asia despite facing U.S. sanctions that reduced its capability to expand internationally. The company maintains its competitive strength in the Chinese market although its international market presence has decreased since its battles against Xiaomi as well as Oppo and Vivo.

Apple has cultivated one of the most loyal customer bases globally, with users deeply embedded in its ecosystem. Huawei, despite its challenges, has maintained strong brand loyalty in China, where national pride and local technology support contribute to its success. However, in Western markets, concerns over security and the lack of Google services have affected Huawei’s appeal.

Apple has a premium pricing strategy and aims at high-end customers. Its Pro versions of iPhone are for professionals and heavy users, and its older versions stay in the market at lower prices for price-sensitive consumers.

Huawei provides a variety of smartphones with prices across a broad spectrum. Its latest models like Huawei Pura 70 Ultra target the premium market, and its Honor sub-brand offers cost-saving variants and mid-range offerings. This approach helps Huawei attract a broader audience, from flagship enthusiasts to price-sensitive consumers.

Conclusion

The future prospects of Huawei face uncertainty because it must navigate through U.S. tariffs and restrictions that prevent access to essential components like chipsets and software. The company follows market changes through the development of independent technology frameworks such as HarmonyOS and internal processor units which keeps it relevant across Chinese and specific international markets.

The mobile phone industry will continue to be affected by the ongoing competition between Huawei and Apple in the future. Within the premium segment Apple will sustain its market dominance through software improvements along with ecosystem extension and security enhancements. The geopolitical hurdles will not stop Huawei from pursuing research and development in hardware systems and artificial intelligence applications. Smartphone consumers profit from this competitive dynamic because it stimulates new innovations and extends mobile device capabilities while strengthening market variety.