Samsung is back on top! After a brief reign by Apple, the South Korean tech giant has reclaimed the title of the world’s leading smartphone brand, according to a report by IDC.
This exciting turn of events comes as the global smartphone market rebounds, with shipments growing by a healthy 7.8% compared to last year. In the first quarter of 2024 (Jan-March), a whopping 289.4 million smartphones were shipped worldwide.
Samsung Takes the Lead
Samsung shipped a mighty 60.1 million units in the first quarter, capturing a dominant 20.8% market share. This impressive feat comes after a strategic push by the company, likely fueled by the recent launch of their highly anticipated Galaxy S24 series.
Apple Sees Shipment Dip
Apple’s reign at the top was short-lived. The iPhone maker’s shipments dipped by 10% compared to the same period last year, with 50.1 million units shipped in Q1 2024. This translates to a 17.3% market share for Apple.
Xiaomi Makes Strong Showing
Chinese phone maker Xiaomi secured the third spot with a respectable 14.1% market share. They shipped over 40 million units in the first quarter, showcasing their continued growth and presence in the global market.
A Changing Landscape
The report by IDC highlights a significant shift in the smartphone market landscape. With the resurgence of Chinese brands like Huawei and the impressive gains made by Xiaomi, Transsion, OPPO/OnePlus, and Vivo, both Samsung and Apple will need to adapt and expand their offerings to stay ahead. As the market recovers, analysts predict that smaller brands might struggle to compete, while the top companies like Samsung and Apple are expected to gain even more market share.
