"Apple’s fourth-quarter market share jumped to 9.3% from 4.4% in the third quarter of 2014. This is mainly because the big screen iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus cater to the Chinese consumers' preferences," said MIC.

"Besides, it’s the first time that three operators in China simultaneously launched the latest iPhones. In particular, the cooperation with China Mobile – the largest telecom operator in China – has significantly boosted iPhone sales."

Still Apple continues to face competition from local vendors, such as Xiaomi, Huawei and Lenovo, who still keep their leading positions in the Chinese smartphone market. Most notably, Xiaomi gobbled up 16.2% of the market in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Using online community to interact and cultivate a huge number of fans, Xiaomi reduced marketing expenses and catered to the shopping preferences of young Chinese. Riding on the rapid growth trajectory, Xiaomi vows to sell 100 million smartphones this year – a staggering 67% growth year-on-year. Not just a local champion, Xiaomi is now the top five smartphone vendors (in terms of shipments) in the world.