After 14 years, Apple is once again poised to overtake Samsung as the global leader in terms of smartphone shipments. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is projected to ship over 243 million iPhones in 2025, which would give it an estimated 19.4% share of the global smartphone market. Samsung, which is the current global leader, is expected to ship 235 million units, which would leave it with an 18.7% market share.
The iPhone 17 series has proven to be a huge success for Apple as shipments in Q3 saw 9% growth compared to last year’s 16 series. Furthermore, Apple saw 12% higher demand for the 17 series in the first four weeks after its launch in the US. The figures in China for the same period were 18% higher than last year.
In addition, Apple is riding a favorable wave as consumers who bought a smartphone during the COVID-19 pandemic are now in their upgrade cycle. The gap between Apple and Samsung is expected to widen in the coming years as Cupertino is projected to maintain its position as the global smartphone shipments leader through 2029.
