Apple Leads Global Smartphone Sales in First Quarter Amid Strong Demand in India, Japan
- tech360.tv
- Apr 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Apple secured the top position in global smartphone sales for the first quarter, driven by the launch of the iPhone 16e and robust demand in markets such as Japan and India, according to data released Monday by Counterpoint Research.
The tech giant captured 19% of the global smartphone market, edging out Samsung, which held 18%. This comes despite flat or declining sales in the United States, Europe and China.
Counterpoint noted that iPhone demand remains strong in emerging markets, even as Apple faces stiff competition in China from local brands like Huawei and a lack of artificial intelligence features.
International Data Corporation (IDC), which tracks shipments rather than direct sales, reported a 1.5% increase in global smartphone shipments in the first quarter. IDC said Apple front-loaded supply to avoid potential tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Apple’s shares rose approximately 3.5% following the news.
To bypass the tariffs, Apple chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tonnes of iPhones—up to 1.5 million units—from India to the United States.
Trump’s decision to exclude smartphones, computers and certain electronics from reciprocal tariffs on China led to a rise in global tech shares on Monday.
Ryan Reith, group vice president of worldwide device trackers at IDC, said the U.S. government’s temporary exemption from smartphone import tariffs offers short-term relief, but dependence on China’s supply chain remains a concern amid ongoing trade tensions.
Reith added that U.S. smartphone brands should use the exemption period to maximise production and shipping.
Counterpoint expects the global smartphone market to decline this year due to tariff-related uncertainty.
Xiaomi maintained its momentum in third place, followed by Vivo in fourth and OPPO in fifth.
Apple led global smartphone sales in Q1 with 19% market share
Strong demand in India and Japan offset weak sales in China, U.S. and Europe
Apple shipped 1.5 million iPhones from India to avoid U.S. tariffs
Source: REUTERS
