Cupertino on track to become the world’s largest smartphone maker this year
Trade
iPhone 17 Pro. Image: Apple
Apple is on the verge of once again claiming first place in global smartphone sales this year and overtaking Samsung for the first time in more than a decade. Market research firm Counterpoint predicts that Apple will secure a 19.4% share of the global market in 2025.
That dominance is due to Apple’s shipments growing by 10% this year, while Samsung’s Galaxy lineup increased by only 4.6%, allowing Apple to move ahead of Samsung.
Although Apple has always been a dominant player in the sector in terms of sales, Samsung has held the top spot in shipment volume since 2011, thanks to its diverse product portfolio that includes budget, mid-range and high-end devices.
However, the recent success of the iPhone 17, launched in September, has significantly contributed to Apple’s growth. The new iPhones have performed exceptionally well not only in the United States, but also in key markets such as China and other emerging economies.
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed strong demand for the iPhone 17 in October, following record quarterly sales of $102.5 billion (around €88.4 billion euros).
Counterpoint also attributes Apple’s rise to a combination of factors, including improved ties between the United States and China, a weaker dollar that has made its prices more competitive, and the natural timing of replacement cycles for smartphones that consumers bought during the pandemic.
Yang Wang, an analyst at Counterpoint, suggested that Apple’s lead is likely to widen, especially with the planned launch of a foldable iPhone and a more affordable iPhone 17e in 2026. According to that forecast, Apple would remain ahead of other smartphone vendors until 2029.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics, which recently launched the Galaxy Edge and plans to unveil a foldable model on 5 December, is actively expanding its product range with various form factors. The company faces the challenge of winning back its former leading position in the global smartphone market.
Business AM