Apple is scheduled to release its official quarterly results on October 31st, but a new report suggests the company will have a lot to celebrate with iPhone sales in the third quarter. According to research firm Canalys, iPhone shipments hit a record high in the third quarter and nearly beat Samsung in global sales.
Strong Q3 iPhone sales bring yet another big holiday season
Canalys has been the go-to source for global technology sales for years. Their latest smartphone report highlights a particularly strong third quarter for the iPhone.
Canalys analyst Runar Bjørhovde said: “Apple achieved its best third quarter sales ever and has never been closer to the top of the global smartphone market in a third quarter than it is now.” “Continued strong demand for the iPhone 15 series and Apple’s legacy models played a key role in third quarter results, with continued strong demand for premium devices intersecting with continued update cycles for devices purchased during the pandemic. The shift in markets has benefited Apple, especially in the company’s strongholds such as North America and Europe.
Overall, global smartphone shipments increased by 5% year over year. However, not all companies benefited equally.
Samsung, the overall leader in smartphone shipments, has significantly shrunk its number one position.
In the third quarter of last year, Samsung held a 21% market share, compared to Apple’s 17%.
This year, both companies evened out to hold 18% market share each, with Samsung maintaining a slight advantage over Apple.
Apple’s success here was largely driven by strong sales of the iPhone 15 and earlier devices. But the launch of the iPhone 16 and the announcement of Apple Intelligence means Apple has the potential to build on that success heading into the fourth quarter.
If Apple Intelligence becomes the sales driver Apple expects, the company should be poised for a particularly impressive holiday quarter.
Do you think Apple Intelligence will drive iPhone 16 sales? Let us know in the comments.
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