World’s Top Smartphone Maker: Not Samsung Anymore
- For teh first time, Apple has surpassed Samsung to become the world's leading smartphone manufacturer, according to a recent report.
- counterpoint Research reports that Apple secured a 19% market share in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 4% increase in shipments. The surge is attributed to strong...
- Samsung, the previous market leader, now holds an 18% market share, with shipments down by 5%.
Apple Overtakes Samsung as Top Smartphone Vendor Amidst Shifting Global Market
Table of Contents
For teh first time, Apple has surpassed Samsung to become the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer, according to a recent report.
iPhone 16E Fuels Apple’s Rise to the Top
counterpoint Research reports that Apple secured a 19% market share in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 4% increase in shipments. The surge is attributed to strong sales of the new iPhone 16E, particularly in Asian markets.
Samsung Feels the pressure
Samsung, the previous market leader, now holds an 18% market share, with shipments down by 5%. Analysts suggest the South korean company’s S25 series, slated for release in March, may help them regain ground.
Key Market Trends
- Apple’s Dominance: Achieved a 19% market share with a 4% increase in deliveries,securing the top spot.
- Samsung’s challenge: holds an 18% market share, with a 5% decrease in deliveries.
- Asian growth: Apple experiences double-digit growth in Japan, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo Compete for Third Place
Xiaomi maintains its position as the third-largest smartphone vendor with a 14% market share. Vivo and Oppo each hold 8% of the global market.While Huawei leads in China, other brands like Honor and Motorola are gaining traction in specific regions.
Looking Ahead: xiaomi 16 Pro and Market Forecasts
The Xiaomi 16 Pro is expected to launch in China in late 2025,with an international release planned for early 2026. Counterpoint Research anticipates a slight overall decline in the global smartphone market this year, potentially influenced by new U.S. tariffs.
Foldable Phones on the Horizon?
Rumors continue to circulate about Apple potentially unveiling a foldable smartphone in 2026. Details regarding its display and facial recognition technology are emerging.
Q: What major shift has occurred in the global smartphone market?
A: Apple has overtaken Samsung too become the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer.
Q: How did Apple achieve this market leadership?
A: According to a recent report from Counterpoint Research,Apple secured a 19% market share in the frist quarter of 2025,marking a 4% increase in shipments. This surge is primarily attributed to strong sales of the new iPhone 16E.
Q: Where is the iPhone 16E performing notably well?
A: The iPhone 16E is seeing strong sales in Asian markets.
Q: How has Samsung been affected by Apple’s success?
A: Samsung, the previous market leader, now holds an 18% market share, wiht shipments down by 5%.
Q: What is Samsung planning to do to regain its market share?
A: Analysts suggest that Samsung’s S25 series, slated for release in March, may help them regain ground.
Q: What are the key market trends highlighted in this report?
Apple’s Dominance: Achieved a 19% market share with a 4% increase in deliveries.
Samsung’s Challenge: Holds an 18% market share, with a 5% decrease in deliveries.
* Asian Growth: Apple experiences double-digit growth in Japan,India,the Middle East,Africa,and Southeast Asia.
Q: Who are the other major players in the smartphone market, and where do they stand?
A:
| Company | market Share |
|—|—|
| Apple | 19% |
| Samsung | 18% |
| Xiaomi | 14% |
| Vivo | 8% |
| Oppo | 8% |
Q: Where dose Huawei stand in the market?
A: While Huawei leads in China, other brands like Honor and Motorola are gaining traction in specific regions.
Q: What is the expected launch timeline for the Xiaomi 16 Pro?
A: The Xiaomi 16 Pro is expected to launch in China in late 2025, with an international release planned for early 2026.
Q: What are the market forecasts for the global smartphone market this year?
A: Counterpoint Research anticipates a slight overall decline in the global smartphone market this year, perhaps influenced by new U.S. tariffs.
Q: Are there any rumors about new product releases from Apple?
A: Yes, rumors continue to circulate about Apple potentially unveiling a foldable smartphone in 2026. Details regarding its display and facial recognition technology are emerging.