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Global phone sales, Apple surpasses Samsung.
For the first time in a 12-year period, Apple has surpassed Samsung to take the lead in the global smartphone market.
The International Data Corporation (IDC) reports that last year, the phone behemoth based in America accounted for over one-fifth of all phones shipped.
With Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion, three Chinese phone manufacturers, trailing Samsung, with 19.4% of the market.
Sales of smartphones have decreased because so many people upgraded during the outbreak.
Apple’s ascent
Nevertheless, Apple, which sold more than 234 million phones in 2017, was deemed “the biggest winner” by the IDC.
“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,” Nabila Popal of the International Data Corporation stated.
“All this despite facing increased regulatory challenges and renewed competition from Huawei in China, its largest market.”
After being prohibited from purchasing chips manufactured with US technology due to allegations that the corporation poses a national security danger to the US government, Huawei has recently made progress in producing its own processors.
Interest-free financing options and offers to trade in outdated models are also boosting demand for high-end gadgets like Apple.
Samsung decline
This is bad news for Samsung, which was the leading manufacturer of memory chips, cellphones, and televisions worldwide up until this point.
The behemoth of South Korean electronics recently issued a warning, stating that the sluggish worldwide demand for consumer electronics will cause its revenues to decline faster than anticipated.
Additionally, it has competition from less expensive Android devices like Xiaomi and Transsion, which are becoming more popular in emerging economies and among users who are price conscious.
According to IDC, there is a “very interesting time” ahead for the smartphone industry, as more Android providers enter the market and consumers prioritise foldable phones and AI capabilities.