For over a decade, Samsung has held the top position among the world’s smartphone manufacturers. However, after 12 years of dominance, the South Korean company has been dethroned by Apple.
According to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple sold 234.6 million units in 2023, capturing just over a fifth of the global smartphone market at 20.1%. In contrast, Samsung sold 226.6 million units, accounting for 19.4% of the market share.
“The last time a company other than Samsung led the smartphone market was in 2010, and in 2023, it is now Apple,” stated the IDC. “This shift in power at the top of the largest consumer electronics market was driven by Apple’s all-time high market share and its first-time position at the top.”
Overall, the IDC’s report indicated a 3.2% year-on-year decline in smartphone sales. Apple’s sales surge was attributed to the release of the iPhone 15 in September. The report also highlighted a growing trend of premium device sales and credited Apple’s interest-free financing plans and trade-in options for contributing to its success.
In the Android space, Samsung is facing heightened competition from manufacturers such as OnePlus, Honor, and Google, leading to a diversification within the Android market.
“The shift in market leadership underscores the fierce competition within the smartphone market,” remarked Ryan Reith, group vice president of the IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers. “While Apple certainly played a role in Samsung’s decline in rank, the overall Android space is diversifying within itself.”