Apple Overtakes Samsung to Capture Global Smartphone Crown
In a significant development, Apple has overtaken Samsung to become the dominant player in the global smartphone market, marking the first time in 12 years that Samsung has been dethroned.
According to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple accounted for more than 20% of all smartphones shipped in the previous year. In contrast, Samsung secured 19.4% of the market share, with Chinese manufacturers Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion following closely behind.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, which led to a decline in overall smartphone sales and economic uncertainties, Apple emerged as the clear winner.
The IDC reported a total of approximately 1.2 billion smartphones sold in the previous year, representing a decrease of more than 3% compared to the year before. This marked the lowest sales figures in the smartphone industry in a decade, with consumers facing economic constraints and high interest rates.
However, industry experts express optimism regarding a potential market recovery in the current year.
Apple’s performance, with more than 234 million phones sold in the previous year, earned the company the title of “the biggest winner” by the IDC. Apple stands out as the sole player among the top three smartphone manufacturers to demonstrate positive annual growth and secure the top position for the first time in history.
This achievement is noteworthy, considering the heightened regulatory challenges and resurgent competition from Huawei, particularly in China, which happens to be Apple’s largest market.
Huawei, in response to concerns over national security, has ventured into producing its own chips after facing restrictions on procuring chips with US technology.
Apple’s accomplishments can be attributed to strategic initiatives such as trade-in offers for older models and interest-free financing plans, which have bolstered the demand for premium smartphones.
This development is a setback for Samsung, the global leader in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions. The South Korean electronics giant recently issued a warning of lower-than-anticipated profits due to subdued global demand for consumer electronics. Additionally, Samsung faces competition from more affordable Android models, including Transsion and Xiaomi, which are gaining popularity among cost-conscious consumers and emerging markets.
The IDC observed that the smartphone market is entering an intriguing phase, marked by increased fragmentation driven by numerous Android providers and consumer preferences shifting towards foldable phones and advanced AI capabilities.
