By Sabiu Abdullahi
Samsung has regained its position as the world’s leading smartphone seller, overtaking Apple, according to the latest report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) released on Monday.
The industry tracker revealed that worldwide smartphone shipments saw growth of nearly 8 percent in the first quarter of this year, reaching 289.4 million units.
This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth, indicating a recovery from a previous slump in the sector.
Samsung shipped 60.1 million smartphones during this period, capturing close to 21 percent of the market share.
On the other hand, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones, accounting for just over 17 percent of the market.
Apple’s smartphone shipments experienced a 9.6 percent decline compared to the previous quarter, while Samsung’s shipments decreased by less than one percent.
Chinese smartphone brands are also making significant strides in the market.
Xiaomi saw a 33 percent growth in shipments, reaching 40.8 million units, securing the third position.
Transsion, another Chinese brand, experienced an impressive 85 percent growth, shipping 28.5 million units and claiming the fourth spot in the overall smartphone market.
Ryan Reith, Vice President of IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers team, commented on the shifting dynamics, stating, “While Apple managed to capture the top spot at the end of 2023, Samsung successfully reasserted itself as the leading smartphone provider in the first quarter.”
Reith also expects Samsung and Apple to continue dominating the high-end smartphone market while Chinese competitors aim to increase their sales.
Nabila Popal, Research Director with IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, highlighted the changing landscape among the top smartphone companies.
“There is a shift in power among the Top 5 companies, which will likely continue as market players adjust their strategies in a post-recovery world,” Popal said.
She also noted Xiaomi’s strong comeback and Transsion’s growing presence in international markets as key developments to watch.