Apple has become the closest company ever to overtaking Samsung as the world’s leading smartphone vendor, according to a new report from market research firm Canalys.
Record shipments in Q3 2024, Apple equals Samsung’s 18% market share
According to the market research firm, in the third quarter of 2024, Apple reached its highest-ever shipment volume for a third quarter and captured 18% of the global smartphone market share, matching Samsung’s 18% stake. .
Samsung narrowly held onto the top spot, but its market share declined by 3% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Cupertino giant Apple increased its market share by 1% year-on-year. This marks the narrowest gap between the two smartphone brands in the third quarter so far.
According to Canalys analyst Runar Bjørhovde, Apple’s impressive performance can be attributed to sustained demand for the iPhone 15 series and continued sales of legacy models. “Apple achieved its best third quarter sales ever, and has never been closer to the top of the global smartphone market in the third quarter than it is now,” he said.
Recording four consecutive quarters of growth, the entire global smartphone market grew by 5% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024. The market research firm said the expansion was primarily driven by strong demand in emerging economies and the early stages of replacement purchases. The cycle changes in mature markets such as North America, China, and Europe.
Additionally, the market’s shift towards more premium devices and continued refresh cycles for smartphones purchased during the pandemic have further fueled the success. The study notes that this trend is particularly benefiting Apple’s home countries of North America and Europe.
iPhone 16 series will drive growth until 2025
According to Canalys, Apple will maintain its strong momentum from late 2024 to early 2025 with the upcoming iPhone 16 series, so not only the recent past but also the future looks bright for the company. This will encourage further growth. Expanding Apple Intelligence into new markets and supporting additional languages.
As the holiday season approaches, Apple and Samsung are poised to compete fiercely for consumers who have put off upgrading their devices in anticipation of sales during major events such as Black Friday.
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