Apple sold more phones than Samsung in '23 despite losing the top spot of most valuable company
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Key notes
- Apple surpassed Samsung to become the top smartphone vendor in 2023, shipping 234.6 million units vs. Samsung’s 226.6 million.
- Apple’s success is mainly attributed to strong performance in the premium segment and a good Q4.
- Overall market expected to grow in 2024, with premium segment continuing to expand.
A few days ago, Apple lost the top spot of the most valuable company to Microsoft, but New data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals a shift in the global smartphone market for 2023, with Apple surpassing long-time leader Samsung in total unit shipments. Apple is currently suffering from low sales in China, and as a result, they are offering bigger discounts than ever.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- Apple shipped 234.6 million iPhones in 2023, representing a 3.7% increase from 2022 and securing a 20.1% market share.
- Samsung shipped 226.6 million units in 2023, a 13.6% decrease from its 2022 peak, resulting in a 19.4% market share.
- Apple’s performance was particularly strong in the fourth quarter of 2023, with shipments increasing 11.6% year-over-year to 80.5 million units, while Samsung’s declined 10.9% to 53 million units.
- Factors contributing to Apple’s success include strong performance in the premium segment, fueled by trade-in programs and financing options, and a robust fourth quarter.
- Samsung’s decline is attributed to various factors, including macroeconomic challenges and increased competition in the Android market.
Xiaomi maintained its third-place position, with 145.9 million units shipped in 2023 (12.5% market share). OPPO and vivo saw shipment declines in 2023, landing them in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
IDC predicts a 3.9% growth in the global smartphone market for 2024. Increased competition is anticipated within the Android ecosystem, with players like Huawei, OnePlus, and Google vying for market share.
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