By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Samsung overtakes Apple to lead smartphone market
In a recent report by International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung has reclaimed its position as the top seller in the smartphone market, surpassing Apple once again. The competition between the two tech giants intensifies as Chinese competitors edge closer to the leaders.
According to IDC’s preliminary data, global smartphone shipments experienced a growth of nearly 8 percent in the first quarter of this year, reaching a total of 289.4 million units. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth in the smartphone market, indicating a recovery from previous declines.
Samsung, headquartered in South Korea, secured the top spot by shipping 60.1 million smartphones, commanding almost 21 percent of the market share. Meanwhile, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones, capturing just over 17 percent of the market during the same period.
While Apple witnessed a decline of 9.6 percent in smartphone shipments compared to the previous quarter, Samsung’s shipments remained relatively stable, slipping by less than one percent.
Chinese smartphone manufacturers are also making significant strides in the market. Xiaomi saw a 33 percent increase in shipments, reaching 40.8 million units, while Transsion experienced an 85 percent growth, shipping 28.5 million units. These companies secured the third and fourth positions, respectively, in the overall smartphone market.
Ryan Reith, vice president of IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers team, noted that while Apple briefly held the top spot in 2023, Samsung has once again asserted its dominance in the first quarter of this year.
Looking ahead, IDC anticipates that Samsung and Apple will maintain their stronghold in the high-end smartphone market, while Chinese competitors continue to expand their sales globally.
Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, highlighted the evolving landscape of the smartphone market, with shifts in power among the top players. As market dynamics change, companies are expected to adjust their strategies to remain competitive in a post-recovery world.
Samsung overtakes, smartphone