Apple Tops Samsung in Global Smartphone Shipments, this is the first time since 2010 that the iPhone gurus are overtaking Samsung.
In 2023, Apple overtook Samsung concerning the number of smartphone shipments, according to a recent analysis by market research company IDC. For the first time since 2010, the tech behemoth with headquarters in Cupertino has surpassed Samsung in the global shipments of smartphones. Apple’s ascent follows the growing demand for high-end iPhone models and the introduction of compelling trade-in incentives.
Apple Tops Samsung in Global Smartphone Shipments
In 2023, worldwide shipments of smartphones decreased 3.2% YoY. Nonetheless, a year-over-year increase of 8.5 percent was recorded in the final quarter of 2023, suggesting an anticipated rebound in 2024. Other Chinese smartphone firms, such as Oppo and Transsion Holdings, complete the top five positions, with Xiaomi occupying a close third place.
Global smartphone shipments fell 3.2 percent YoY to 1.17 billion units in 2023, according to analysis firm IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. This decline was caused by a challenging macroeconomic climate and high inventories. 326.1 million shipments and an 8.5 percent year-over-year gain were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
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For the first time, Apple surpassed Samsung and other Android phone manufacturers to lead the global smartphone sales market. The manufacturer of the iPhone shipped 234.6 million units last year, accounting for a 20.1 percent market share. With 226.6 million units shipped, the South Korean smartphone brand captured 19.4% of the market. With a 12.5 percent market share and 145.9 million units shipped, Xiaomi secured the third position.
Transsion and Oppo placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Transsion sold 94.9 million smartphones and obtained an 8.1 percent market share, compared to Oppo’s 103.1 million handsets, which achieved an 8.8 percent market share.
Apple held a 24.7 percent market share in the last quarter of 2023, leading the market. Vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Transsion rounded out the top five. According to IDC, Samsung last lost its dominant position in the smartphone industry in 2010, which was 13 years ago. Apple’s success can be ascribed to the growing popularity of high-end gadgets and interest-free financing options.
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“While we saw some strong growth from low-end Android players like Transsion and Xiaomi in the second half of 2023, stemming from rapid growth in emerging markets, the biggest winner is clearly Apple,” said IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team research director Nabila Popal. “Not only is Apple the only player in the Top 3 to show positive growth annually, but also bags the number 1 spot annually for the first time ever. All this despite facing increased regulatory challenges and renewed competition from Huawei in China, its largest market” he added.
The market is anticipated to rebound in 2024 despite the drop in worldwide smartphone sales in 2023, driven by new releases and the diversity of Android players. According to Ryan Reith, vice president of IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, the Android market is becoming more diverse overall.
In China, Huawei is rapidly gaining ground, while companies like OnePlus, Honor, Google, and others are releasing competing smartphones in the upper mid-range market. Foldable and more conversations about AI capabilities are gaining traction, suggesting competitive market trends shortly.
