Apple Set to Overtake Samsung in Smartphone Shipments by 2025
According to a recent report, Apple is anticipated to surpass Samsung in smartphone shipments by 2025, marking the company’s return to the top after over a decade.
The analysis from Counterpoint Research suggests that global smartphone shipments will see a modest increase of 3.3% from the previous year, with Apple responsible for a significant portion of that growth.
It’s predicted that iPhone shipments will rise by about 10% in 2025, largely attributed to the strong demand for the iPhone 17 series in essential markets.
In fact, Counterpoint forecasts that Apple’s market share will hit 19.4% in 2025, making it the leading smartphone brand for the first time since 2011.
On the other hand, Samsung is expected to see its shipments grow by 4.6%, but its market share will fall to 18.7%, pushing it into second place for the first time in years.
“The impressive reception of the iPhone 17 series is certainly a factor in this shift,” noted senior analyst Yang Wang. “Moreover, a lot of consumers who bought smartphones during the COVID-19 surge are now looking to upgrade.”
Interestingly, around 358 million used iPhones were sold from 2023 to mid-2025, suggesting that those users might also be in line for an upgrade soon.
This rising consumer demand is expected to help Apple maintain its position as the top smartphone maker through 2029, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s focus on the A series could bolster its presence in emerging markets with improved specs and competitive pricing. Additionally, in established markets, their shift toward premium devices might help retain market share, as projected by Counterpoint.
As for Chinese smartphone brands, they are likely to seek growth in international markets and aim for higher-end offerings with premium features to enhance profitability.
Counterpoint also mentioned that this diversification could assist Chinese manufacturers in boosting their earnings, while the shipment ranks should remain stable until at least 2029.
