Apple's latest iPhone 16 series has once again secured its position as the world's leading smartphone manufacturer, capturing 23% of the global market share in Q4 2024, according to Canalys. This achievement comes as the smartphone market exhibits a positive trend, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of growth. Although Apple experienced a slight decline from 24% year-on-year, it continues to outperform competitors, with Samsung trailing behind at 16%.
Xiaomi, well-known for its value-oriented offerings, maintains a steady 13% market share, while Transsion, a Chinese brand, experienced a minor drop from 9% to 8%. Transsion holds a strong presence in Africa and various regions in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
Canalys's preliminary sales breakdown shows Vivo capturing 8% of the market, while the "Other" category, which includes several smaller brands, commands the highest market share at 32%. Notably, if the three manufacturers previously under BBK Holding - Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus - were consolidated, their combined sales could surpass Samsung's, applying additional pressure on Apple's market dominance.
According to the report, Apple's solid growth trajectory is attributed to its remarkable performance in emerging markets, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, where a reduction in tariffs and increased local production have allowed for more competitive pricing. Additionally, Apple's uncharacteristically aggressive marketing strategies have fostered impressive sales figures in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the landscape may shift this quarter as Samsung prepares to unveil its flagship Galaxy S25 series, which could impact iPhone 16 sales now that initial demand has peaked among early adopters. Despite potential challenges, with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 Air later this year, Apple appears well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the smartphone market.
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