Apple has achieved a significant milestone by outperforming Samsung in global smartphone sales for the first time since 2010, according to preliminary data from the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by IDC. This victory comes amid a broader industry downturn, highlighting Apple’s resilience and success, particularly in the premium device segment, which now constitutes over 20% of the market. Aggressive trade-in offers and interest-free financing plans have propelled Apple’s growth. The competition in the smartphone market has intensified, with lower prices for high-end devices, innovative designs like foldable phones, and the integration of AI capabilities playing pivotal roles in boosting the entire industry.
The diversification of the Android market has contributed to the shift in the 2023 ranking, with brands like Huawei, Google, OnePlus, and Honor gaining traction, especially in China, a major smartphone market. IDC emphasizes that Apple’s success has been a crucial factor in driving the overall industry’s positive growth over the past year. Despite an overall decline in global smartphone sales in recent years, Apple’s growth has influenced the industry to follow an upward trajectory. The statistics reveal that the industry faced a 3.2% decline in shipments during the first half of 2023 but saw an 8.5% increase in Q4 2023, indicating an expected recovery for 2024.
Apple achieved a growth rate of 3.7% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while Samsung experienced a decline of -13.6% in growth since 2022. Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi secured the third position in the 2023 global market share, maintaining its standing from 2022, representing just over 12% of the market. The smartphone space is deemed to enter an intriguing period, with evolving market dynamics, including competitive pricing, innovative designs, and AI integration, influencing the industry’s landscape.
