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Samsung Dethrones Apple as Top Smartphone Maker Amid Global Competition Surge: IDC Data Reveals Q1 2024 Shift
Apple's smartphone shipments dropped by 10% in Q1 2024, according to IDC. Samsung emerged as the new leader with a market share of 20.8%. Chinese brands such as Huawei Technologies gained market share, pushing Apple to the second spot.
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has lost its position as the world's top smartphone maker to Samsung. According to data from research firm IDC, Apple's smartphone shipments dropped by approximately 10% in the first quarter of 2024. This decline can be attributed to the intensifying global competition from Android handset makers who are vying for the top spot.
During the January-March period, global smartphone shipments saw a 7.8% increase, reaching a total of 289.4 million units. Samsung Electronics emerged as the new leader with a market share of 20.8%, surpassing Apple. This shift in rankings comes after Apple's strong performance in the previous quarter, where it had overtaken Samsung as the number one smartphone maker.
However, Apple's setback can be attributed to the rise of Chinese brands such as Huawei Technologies, which have gained significant market share. As a result, Apple now holds the second spot with a market share of 17.3%. Xiaomi, one of China's top smartphone makers, secured the third position with a market share of 14.1% during the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Samsung's success can be attributed to the launch of its latest flagship smartphone line-up, the Galaxy S24 series, at the beginning of the year. The company shipped over 60 million handsets during the period, and global sales of the Galaxy S24 smartphones saw an 8% jump compared to the previous year's Galaxy S23 series.
In terms of specific numbers, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones in the first quarter, a decline from the 55.4 million units shipped during the same period last year, according to IDC. Additionally, Apple faced a 2.1% decline in iPhone shipments in China during the final quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. This highlights the challenges Apple is facing in its third-largest market, as Chinese companies and government agencies restrict the use of Apple devices among employees.
Looking ahead, investors are eagerly awaiting updates on Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) development. The company has been relatively quiet about incorporating AI technology into its devices, and its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June is expected to shed light on this aspect. Apple's loss of the title of the world's most valuable company to Microsoft earlier this year has also drawn attention to its future strategies and innovations.
Apple's smartphone shipments dropped by 10% in Q1 2024, according to IDC.
Samsung emerged as the new leader with a market share of 20.8%.
Chinese brands such as Huawei Technologies gained market share, pushing Apple to the second spot.
Source: SCMP