In a groundbreaking development, Apple secured its position as the frontrunner in the global smartphone industry in 2023, marking a historic milestone with a record-breaking 20.1% market share, according to a latest report released on Tuesday.
This achievement propelled Apple to the top spot, displacing Samsung, which had long held the leadership position. Samsung now occupies the second spot with a 19.5% market share. The overall global smartphone shipments experienced a slight decline of 3.2% year over year, totaling 1.17 billion units in 2023, as per the findings from the International Data Corporation (IDC).
Nabila Popal, research director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, remarked, “Not only is Apple the only player in the Top 3 to show positive growth annually, but also bags the number 1 spot annually for the first time ever.”
This remarkable feat was achieved by Apple despite facing increased regulatory challenges and heightened competition from Huawei in China, its largest market. Popal attributed Apple's sustained success to the growing trend of premium devices, constituting over 20% of the market. This surge is fueled by compelling trade-in offers and interest-free financing plans.
The reshuffling of positions at the helm of the market underscores the fierce competition in the smartphone industry. While Apple played a pivotal role in Samsung's decline, the Android landscape is also witnessing diversification within itself, according to Ryan Reith, group vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. The report identified Chinese brand Xiaomi as the third-largest player globally, securing a 12.5% market share.
(With Agency Inputs)
