Apple Poised to Overtake Samsung in Smartphone Shipments for First Time Since 2011
Apple is projected to ship 243 million iPhones in 2025, capturing 19.4% of the global smartphone market and edging out Samsung's 18.7% share—marking the first time since 2011 that the Cupertino giant leads annual shipments. The surge stems from robust demand for the iPhone 17 series, which saw U.S. sales rise 12% and Chinese sales jump 18% compared to its predecessor during launch periods.
Counterpoint attributes the momentum to a post-COVID replacement cycle, with consumers upgrading devices purchased during the pandemic boom. Samsung, meanwhile, faces pressure from Chinese brands dominating low-to-mid-tier segments. Shipment data reflects retailer deliveries rather than end-user sales, but the trajectory signals a pivotal shift in market dynamics.
