Apple has achieved a significant milestone by emerging as the top smartphone maker in terms of shipments in the first quarter of this year, as reported by Counterpoint Research (CR). This marks the first time ever that Apple has claimed the coveted position in the global smartphone market. The company's success can be attributed to the launch of the iPhone 16e, which propelled its growth in key markets such as Japan, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. While Apple experienced stagnant or declining sales in the US, Europe, and China, it recorded a remarkable double-digit increase in shipments in other regions.
With a 19% market share in Q1, Apple surpassed Samsung, which held an 18% share with a decrease in shipments compared to the previous year. Samsung's slow start in the quarter was offset by a surge in shipments in March following the release of the S25 series, particularly the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Xiaomi claimed the third spot with a 14% market share and a 5% growth, driven by its expansion into new markets and solid performance in China. Vivo emerged as the fastest-growing brand with a 6% increase in shipments, capturing an 8% market share alongside Oppo, which experienced a slight decline in shipments.
Despite challenges, the smartphone market saw a 3% growth in shipments in Q1, with Huawei leading in China and other brands like Honor and Motorola showing promising growth in various markets. However, the overall outlook for the smartphone market for the full year is expected to decline slightly compared to 2024, largely due to factors such as US tariffs.
