Apple has eclipsed Samsung, ending the latter’s decade-long reign as the global smartphone market leader, reminiscent of the era when Nokia held sway. The latest IDC report reveals that Apple, riding on robust sales in the U.S., steady growth in the premium segment, and innovative programs, claimed the top spot in 2023, shipping 234.6 million iPhones and securing a 20.1% market share, a notable 3.7% increase.
Meanwhile, Samsung slipped to second place, shipping 226.6 million units with a reduced market share of 19.4%, marking a 13.6% decline. The last time Samsung ceded its lead was in 2010 during Nokia’s prime. Xiaomi clinched the third spot with 145.9 million smartphones, a 12.5% drop from 2022.
Notably, Samsung, gearing up for the Galaxy S24 series launch, experienced a sales decline in Q4 2023, in contrast to its competitors. The global smartphone market faced a 3.2% volume contraction in 2023, the worst in a decade. However, a glimmer of hope emerged as Q4 2023 witnessed an 8.5% surge in shipments, hinting at a potential revival in 2024.
Lower-tier Android players like Transsion and Xiaomi thrived, driven by resurging demand in emerging markets. The IDC report also highlights Huawei’s resurgence in China, intensified competition in the lower high-end price range, and the rising popularity of AI in smartphones, promising an intriguing landscape for the future of the smartphone market. As Apple celebrates its historic ascent, industry experts anticipate a dynamic period ahead with evolving market dynamics and technological innovations.
