Apple leads global smartphone market with 20% share in 2025, says Counterpoint

Core Insights - Global smartphone shipments increased by 2% year-on-year in 2025, driven by stronger demand and economic momentum in emerging markets [1] - Apple led the market with a 20% share, benefiting from solid demand in emerging and mid-sized markets, along with strong sales of the iPhone 17 series [1] - Samsung ranked second with a 19% share, showing modest shipment growth, while Xiaomi secured third place with a 13% share, supported by steady demand in emerging markets [2] Market Trends - Manufacturers advanced shipments early in the year to avoid tariffs, but this effect diminished as 2025 progressed, leaving second-half volumes largely unaffected [2] - The global smartphone market is anticipated to soften in 2026 due to chip shortages and rising component costs, as chipmakers prioritize AI data centers over handsets [4]