Apple has overtaken Samsung to turn into the world’s prime smartphone model in 2025, marking the primary time in 14 years that Apple has shipped extra smartphones globally than its South Korean rival.

In keeping with information from Counterpoint Analysis, Apple recorded the very best year-on-year development among the many world’s 5 largest smartphone manufacturers, capturing a 20% share of the worldwide market.

International smartphone shipments grew 2% 12 months on 12 months in 2025, the second consecutive 12 months of growth after a chronic slowdown. The restoration was supported by larger adoption of 5G gadgets in rising markets, simpler financing choices, and a alternative cycle triggered by customers who delayed upgrades through the COVID-19 interval.

iPhone 17 drives Apple’s rise

Counterpoint attributed Apple’s efficiency primarily to robust demand for the iPhone 17 sequence, launched in September 2025, together with sustained momentum for the iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16 continued to promote strongly throughout India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and emerged because the top-selling smartphone in India through the 12 months.

Within the ultimate quarter of 2025, Apple captured a report 25 p.c share of worldwide smartphone shipments, consolidating its lead throughout crucial gross sales interval of the 12 months. Analysts famous that Apple benefited each from rising demand for premium gadgets and from a broader improve cycle amongst customers who had postponed purchases in earlier years.

Samsung slips to second place

Samsung ended 2025 in second place with a market share of round 18-19%, relying on quarterly actions. The corporate posted 5% year-on-year cargo development, supported by robust gross sales of its mid-range Galaxy A sequence and traction within the premium phase from the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Nevertheless, Samsung confronted stress in Latin America and Western Europe, which offset beneficial properties in Japan and its core markets. Regardless of launching a wider vary of gadgets than Apple, the regional slowdown prevented Samsung from retaining the highest world place.

Xiaomi ranks third

Xiaomi retained its third-place place with a 13% world market share. The corporate maintained steady shipments via a technique that mixed premium options with aggressive pricing and a balanced portfolio, notably in rising markets.

Amongst different main manufacturers, Vivo recorded a 3% improve in gross sales through the 12 months, whereas Oppo noticed a 4% decline as a consequence of heightened competitors in China and components of the Asia-Pacific area. Oppo, nevertheless, posted development in India in addition to within the Center East and Africa.