Apple Dethrones Samsung as World’s Top Phone Maker After 14 Years
Apple is set to surpass Samsung to become the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer for the first time since 2011, according to Counterpoint Research. The tech giant will ship approximately 243 million phones this year, capturing 19.4% of the global market compared to Samsung’s 235 million shipments and 18.7% share.
Key Takeaways
- Apple to capture 19.4% global market share vs Samsung’s 18.7%
- iPhone 17 series driving record sales across key markets
- Strong growth expected through 2029 with foldable iPhone coming
Record iPhone 17 Performance
The recently launched iPhone 17 series has generated exceptional demand, with sales outperforming previous models across major markets:
- US: 12% higher sales than iPhone 16 series (first 4 weeks)
- China: 18% increase despite iPhone Air’s delayed launch
- Japan: 7% growth over previous generation
Yang Wang, analyst at Counterpoint Research, highlighted the combination of factors driving Apple’s success: “Beyond the highly positive market reception for the iPhone 17 series, the key driver lies in the replacement cycle reaching its inflection point. Consumers who purchased smartphones during the Covid-19 boom are now entering their upgrade phase.”
Emerging Markets Fuel Growth
Apple is experiencing record demand from emerging markets including India, Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company has been actively expanding its retail presence and working with channel partners to penetrate deeper into domestic markets.
Wang added: “Added to the fact that the US dollar has depreciated during the course of the year, that has meant that consumers overseas have found more purchasing power and can afford an aspirational upgrade.”
Market Share Breakdown
- Apple (US) – 19.4% global share
- Samsung (South Korea) – 18.7%
- Xiaomi (China) – 13.7%
- Vivo (China) – 8.4%
- Transsion (China) – 7.9%
- Oppo (China) – 7.8%
Future Outlook
Apple is projected to maintain its leadership position until at least 2029. iPhone shipments are expected to grow 10% year-on-year in 2025, while Samsung anticipates a “decent” 5% growth. Global smartphone shipments are forecast to increase by 3.3% in 2025, primarily driven by Apple’s strong performance.
Upcoming Product Launches
Apple’s dominance is expected to strengthen with several anticipated product releases:
- iPhone 17e: Budget model launching first half of 2026
- Foldable iPhone: Book-style device expected by end of 2026
- iPhone Flip: Compact foldable projected for late 2027
- Major redesign: 20th-anniversary iPhone in 2027 with curved glass screen
The company will also continue enhancing Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI tools, to drive future upgrades.
