MANILA - China's Huawei has overtaken Apple for the first time to become the world's second biggest-selling smartphone vendor, according to industry tracker Counterpoint.

But Huawei's lead from June to July might be short-lived as Apple is expected to unleash its 10th anniversary iPhone this month, Counterpoint said in a statement.

• How iPhone use will change when Apple kills the home button

The achievement "nevertheless underscores the rate at which Huawei has been growing," the research firm said.

Huawei's weak presence in India and North America also limits its potential as a challenger to Samsung's lead, it said.

While it enjoy sales large volumes, Huawei lacks a signature device that is coveted by consumers. Counterpoint data showed that Apple's iPhone 7 was the top selling model in July, followed by the larger iPhone 7 Plus.

Oppos R11 and A57 ranked third and fourth followed by Samsung's Galaxy S8. None of Huawei's models ranked in the top 10 despite releasing handsets that compare with iPhone and Samsung Galaxy features like the Mate 9 and P10.

• Samsung answers burning question: Why release the Galaxy Note 8?