Apple set to overtake Samsung in global smartphone shipments

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Apple is poised to become the world’s largest smartphone maker by shipments, overtaking Samsung for the first time in over a decade, according to new projections from IDC.

This marks a significant moment in the global smartphone market. Samsung has held the top position since 2010, but a mix of strong iPhone demand, especially for premium models, and a decline in Android shipments has shifted the landscape. IDC’s forecast estimates Apple will ship 234 million units in 2025, just ahead of Samsung’s 226 million.

This shift is being driven by Apple’s growing dominance in premium markets, robust performance in emerging economies, and a strong upgrade cycle among iPhone users. Despite global smartphone shipments expected to decline by 5% in 2025, Apple’s upward trend contrasts sharply with many Android vendors struggling with overstock and weakening demand.

Samsung’s challenges include competition from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Transsion, especially in mid- and lower-tier segments. Meanwhile, Apple continues to benefit from ecosystem lock-in, high retention, and increasing services revenue that complements hardware.

Analysts point out that Apple’s success reflects broader trends: consolidation at the top of the market, customer preference for longevity and performance, and shifting brand loyalties in key regions like India and Latin America.

IDC also highlighted that while Samsung still leads in overall device volume (including feature phones), Apple’s performance in revenue and profit share has long outpaced its rivals. This new leadership in unit shipments adds another dimension to Apple’s global influence.