Apple has overtaken Samsung Electronics in global smartphone shipments. While Samsung Electronics had previously led in shipments with its mid-range Galaxy A series, the increasing preference for premium smartphones last year led to Apple surpassing Samsung. This marks the first time Samsung has lost the top spot since 2010.
According to market research firm IDC on Jan. 16, Apple’s annual smartphone shipments for last year totaled 234.6 million units, capturing a market share of 20.1%. This narrowly exceeds Samsung Electronics’ shipments of 226.6 million units (19.4%). Apple’s rise in shipments was attributed to the popularity of the iPhone 15 series, released in September and October last year.
Despite Samsung Electronics’ focus on the premium smartphone market, it is analyzed that it lost its share in the low-cost model segment. Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi (12.5%), OPPO (8.8%), and Transsion (8.1%) followed closely, with increased sales of mid- and low-priced models in emerging markets amid a global economic slowdown.
Apple was the only one among the top three companies to record an increase in shipments compared to the previous year. The total global smartphone shipments last year were 1.17 billion units, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year. Apple grew by 3.7% year-over-year, while Samsung experienced a 13.6% decline during the same period, leading to Apple taking the lead.
Amber Liu, a Canalys Research Manager, said, “The launch of high-end products focusing on on-device AI will support the rebound as innovation leaders this year. Apple will face challenges in maintaining its growth trajectory in China due to Huawei’s rise and intensified competition in the mainland.”