In a historic shift, Apple has seized the throne as the world’s leading phonemaker, dethroning Samsung for the first time in over a decade.
According to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple’s dominance is reflected in its claim to more than a fifth of the global smartphone market, marking a significant milestone in the tech giant’s trajectory.
Last year, Apple’s stronghold on the market was evident as it accounted for a substantial portion of the phones shipped worldwide. This remarkable feat signals a turning point in the competitive phone industry, with Samsung, a stalwart in the industry for the past 12 years, now relegated to the second position.
Samsung, while still formidable, secured a market share of 19.4%, falling short of Apple’s remarkable ascent. Notably, this shift in dynamics also revealed the emergence of Chinese phonemakers, with Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion closely trailing behind Samsung in the rankings.
The pandemic-induced disruptions and global economic uncertainties have played a pivotal role in reshaping consumer behaviors, particularly in the smartphone industry. With many people adapting to remote work and lifestyle changes, smartphone sales faced challenges as a significant number of users opted for delayed upgrades.
This shift in consumer patterns impacted several industry players, including Samsung, contributing to Apple’s newfound dominance. Apple’s ability to navigate these challenging times and maintain its market share reflects the resilience and adaptability ingrained in the company’s DNA.
As Apple now commands a substantial portion of the global smartphone market, it raises questions about the future trajectory of the industry and the strategies other players will employ to regain lost ground.
Sumsumg to Fight Back
Samsung, known for its innovative approach and diverse product offerings, will undoubtedly seek to reclaim its top spot in the coming years, setting the stage for intensified competition in the world of smartphones.
The IDC reports that almost 1.2 billion smartphones were sold last year – a drop of more than 3% on the previous year. It is the lowest amount sold in a decade, with many consumers tightening their purse strings in the face of economic challenges and high interest rates. Experts predict the market will recover this year. Apple’s rise
Still, the IDC said Apple – which sold more than 234 million phones last year – is “the biggest winner”. “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,” said the IDC’s Nabila Popal.
Nabila Popal added saying “All this despite facing increased regulatory challenges and renewed competition from Huawei in China, its largest market.”
Huawei has recently made strides in making its own chips, after being banned from buying chips that were made using US technology over claims the company poses a national security risk to Washington.
Offers to trade in old models as well as interest-free financing plans are also driving demand for premium devices like Apple. Samsung slump
It’s disappointing news for Samsung which – until now – had the top spot as the world’s largest maker of memory chips, smartphones and televisions.
Recently, the South Korean electronics giant warned its profits would drop more than expected as global demand for consumer electronics remains weak.
It is also facing competition from cheaper Android models including Transsion and Xiaomi which are getting a boost from both price-savvy consumers and emerging markets.
The IDC also said the smartphone market is entering a “very interesting time”, with a growing number of Android-providers splintering the market and customers increasingly prioritising foldable phones and AI capabilities.
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