The smartphone industry is witnessing a significant shift as Apple is projected to take the crown as the world’s leading smartphone maker, surpassing Samsung for the first time since 2011. This historic shift is anchored by the successful rollout of the iPhone 17 line and an upsurge in device upgrades, making headlines across the globe.
Apple’s Resurgence in the Global Market
According to reports by Counterpoint Research, recently cited by Bloomberg, Apple’s smartphone shipments are anticipated to soar by a remarkable 10% this year. This achievement will secure the company a 19.4% share of the international market. Meanwhile, Samsung’s shipments will increase, albeit at a slower rate of 4.6% for the year. This development could mark a pivotal turnaround for Apple, dominating not just in revenue but now leading in market share as well.
The Role of the iPhone 17 Line
Counterpoint Research attributes Apple’s bullish outlook to the highly successful launch of the iPhone 17 in September, which has been met with enthusiastic responses, especially in critical markets like the U.S. and China. This launch comes at a time when easing global tensions and a weakening U.S. dollar are boosting Apple’s sales in emerging markets, providing an additional thrust to its expanding foothold.
The Impact of the Replacement Cycle
The smartphone market is currently at a pivotal point. Many consumers who purchased phones during the pandemic are now in the market for upgrades, as explained by Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang. Furthermore, the sale of approximately 358 million secondhand iPhones over the past couple of years sets the stage for further upgrades to newer models as users switch to advanced technologies.
Samsung’s Stand and the Competitive Landscape
Despite Apple’s dominating resurgence, Samsung retains a 19% market share as of the third quarter, driven by the robust growth of its Z and S series, which continues to captivate audiences across various regions. Other players like Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO are also critical contributors to the market’s dynamics, holding significant portions of the global market share.
Future Prospects and Innovations
Looking to the future, Apple plans to maintain its leading position with innovative products set to enter the market. These include a foldable iPhone and a budget-friendly iPhone 17e, expected to be released in 2026. Counterpoint predicts that these strategic innovations will help Apple hold its commanding position well into 2029 and beyond.
As Apple ascends to reclaim the top spot from Samsung, the smartphone market continues to be a dynamic arena of technological advancements and consumer trends. According to VnExpress International, this shift not only highlights Apple’s strategic ingenuity but also marks the dawn of new opportunities and challenges in the global tech landscape.