Apple

Xiaomi overtakes Apple to claim 2nd spot in August global smartphone sales

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

Xiaomi has secured the second position in Counterpoint Research’s global monthly sell-through volumes for August, surpassing Apple, which dropped to third place.

Samsung maintained its lead in the market.  

According to Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi’s shipment figures remained steady in August, while Apple’s seasonal decline in shipments, ahead of the iPhone 16 series launch, contributed to its declining market share.  

A Counterpoint analyst noted, “Xiaomi has been growing rapidly in 2024 with 22% year-over-year growth in sales volume.”

The company’s success in the sub-$200 price range has been a significant factor, driven by the popularity of the Redmi 13 and Note 13 series devices in key markets such as India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.  

These devices have been instrumental in Xiaomi’s growth, and this soldiers the Chinese company’s position as a major player in the global smartphone market.  

The August sales figures demonstrate Xiaomi’s increasing influence and Apple’s pre-launch slowdown, setting the stage for intense competition in the smartphone market.

Samsung beats Apple, reclaims top spot in global smartphone market—IDC report

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.

For 17 years, Apple has been the most admired company globally—Fortune

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In Fortune’s annual ranking of the world’s most esteemed companies, Apple has reaffirmed its supremacy, claiming the top spot for an impressive 17th consecutive year.

The comprehensive list, featuring 1,500 companies boasting revenues exceeding $10 billion, highlights Apple’s unwavering influence in the corporate realm, albeit with a marginal dip in its overall score from the previous year. 

Fortune meticulously curated the elite selection, narrowing down the contenders to 680 companies.

A discerning panel, comprising 3,700 executives, directors, and analysts, meticulously assessed each company across a spectrum of categories, ranging from investment value to social responsibility. 

Despite a modest decrease in its score, Apple continued to shine, securing the foremost positions in critical categories such as social responsibility, financial soundness, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Microsoft, on an upward trajectory this year, clinched the second spot with a notable triumph in the computer software industry.

Amazon, though sliding one place, maintained a strong presence with commendable scores in internet services and retail, securing its position in the top three. 

Apple’s consistent reign atop Fortune’s Most Admired Companies List underscores the company’s enduring commitment to excellence and innovation.

This accomplishment speaks volumes about Apple’s ability to navigate a dynamic business landscape while upholding unparalleled standards.