Apple Overtakes Samsung with 20% Global Smartphone Share in 2025
Apple secured its dominance in the global smartphone market in 2025, capturing a 20% share amid sluggish industry growth. The Cupertino-based giant outpaced Samsung's 19% share, fueled by a 10% annual shipment increase compared to its rival's 5% growth. Counterpoint Research data reveals the iPhone 17 series drove record Q4 performance, achieving an unprecedented 25% quarterly market penetration.
Asian markets proved pivotal to Apple's success, with the iPhone 16 and 17 models generating strong demand across Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. This surge coincided with replacement cycles from pandemic-era purchases, creating a perfect storm for market share gains. The broader smartphone industry grew just 2% for the second consecutive year, signaling Apple's outperformance in a mature market.
