Apple’s smartphone shipments in 2025 are expected to top Samsung’s for the primary time in over a decade and turn into the world’s leading seller of smartphones, in keeping with a brand new report.
An evaluation by Counterpoint Research found that global smartphone shipments will rise by 3.3% yr over yr in 2025, with much of the gain driven by Apple.
Shipments of iPhones are expected to climb 10% yr over yr in 2025, partly due to growing demand for the iPhone 17 series in key regions.
Counterpoint projected that Apple’s shipments will reach 19.4% in 2025, which might make Apple the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer for the primary time since 2011.
Samsung’s shipments are expected to extend 4.6% yr over yr and reach a worldwide share of 18.7%, slipping out of first place for the primary time in over a decade.
“Beyond the highly positive market reception for the iPhone 17 series, the important thing driver behind the upgraded shipment outlook lies within the alternative cycle reaching its inflection point,” said senior analyst Yang Wang.
“Consumers who purchased smartphones through the COVID-19 boom are actually entering their upgrade phase. Moreover, 358 million second-hand iPhones were sold between 2023 and Q2 2025. These users are also prone to upgrade to a brand new iPhone in the approaching years.”
That base of consumer demand is anticipated to assist Apple retain its newly regained lead amongst smartphone manufacturers through 2029, in keeping with the evaluation.
Samsung’s strategic move to the A series is anticipated to strengthen momentum in emerging markets through its stronger specifications and competitive pricing, while, in mature markets, Samsung’s move to premium offerings is anticipated to assist it defend market share, Counterpoint projected.
Chinese smartphone manufacturers are expected to rely further on overseas markets to fuel growth, while also moving into higher-priced segments with premium features to spice up profitability.
Counterpoint said that diversification should allow the Chinese manufacturers to strengthen their revenue, while their rankings by way of shipments are expected to carry regular through 2029.
