Globally, the device’s market share slid by 50 basis points year-on-year and 300 basis points compared with October to 20.8%

Apple’s iPhone saw its share of the global smartphone market drop in November, weighed down in particular by increased competition in China, shows new data from research group Counterpoint.

Globally, the device’s market share slid by 50 basis points year-on-year and 300 basis points compared with October to 20.8%.

Denting the iPhone’s performance was weakness in China, where the high-end gadget’s share of the all-important smartphone market dropped to 21.3%, a decline of 320 basis points. China remains critical for Apple, accounting for around one-fifth of its total revenue.

Apple has been facing a number of headwinds in the country, where local rivals Huawei and Xiaomi are rolling out products aimed at moving customers away from the iPhone.

In the meantime, demand for all smartphones has remained soft, Counterpoint said. The firm has earlier proposed that this weakness stems from lingering issues such as component shortages and lengthening replacement cycles.

Yet signs of life are emerging in premium smartphones, or devices with a wholesale price equal to or above $600, as promotional seasons and financing options make it more affordable for many customers to shell out cash on flagship phones.

There has been a shift in consumer buying patterns in the smartphone market. Considering the importance a smartphone holds, consumers are willing to spend more to get a high-quality device that they can use for a longer period, said Varun Mishra, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint in a statement.

Counterpoint noted that Apple continues to the “undisputed leader” in premium smartphones, although its share of the top-end section of the market declined last year due mainly to the popularity of Huawei’s Mate 60.