Apple projected to beat Samsung in smartphone shipments for first time since 2011

Core Insights - Apple's smartphone shipments are projected to surpass Samsung's in 2025, marking the first time in over a decade that Apple will lead the global smartphone market [1][2] - Global smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 3.3% year over year in 2025, primarily driven by Apple's growth [1] - iPhone shipments are anticipated to rise by 10% year over year in 2025, fueled by demand for the iPhone 17 series [1][5] Apple - Apple's market share is projected to reach 19.4% in 2025, making it the leading smartphone manufacturer for the first time since 2011 [2] - The demand for iPhones is expected to be bolstered by consumers upgrading from smartphones purchased during the COVID-19 boom, with many entering their upgrade phase [6] - A significant number of second-hand iPhones, approximately 358 million, were sold between 2023 and Q2 2025, indicating a strong base of potential upgrades [6] Samsung - Samsung's shipments are expected to grow by 4.6% year over year, resulting in a market share of 18.7%, which will place it in second position for the first time in over a decade [5] - Samsung's strategic focus on the A series is anticipated to enhance its presence in emerging markets, while premium offerings are expected to help maintain market share in mature markets [7] Chinese Manufacturers - Chinese smartphone manufacturers are expected to increasingly rely on overseas markets for growth and will move into higher-priced segments to enhance profitability [10] - This diversification strategy is projected to stabilize their shipment rankings through 2029 [10]