Apple: In a remarkable twist of fate, Apple has ascended to the summit of the smartphone realm for the first time in history, eclipsing Samsung’s decade-long reign.
The power dynamics in the consumer electronics behemoth have shifted, propelled by Apple’s unparalleled market share and a groundbreaking debut at the numero uno spot. Although the global smartphone market grappled with a 3.2% downturn, the momentum is undeniably tilting towards a swift recovery.
The International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker’s preliminary data reveals a 3.2% year-over-year contraction, settling at 1.17 billion units for 2023. Despite marking the lowest volume in a decade due to macroeconomic hurdles and early-year inventory surges, the latter half of the year has solidified expectations for a robust rebound in 2024. The fourth quarter (4Q23) defied projections with a 8.5% year-over-year surge, boasting a staggering 326.1 million shipments.
Nabila Popal, Research Director at IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team, emphasizes, “While low-end Android players like Transsion and Xiaomi showcased robust growth in the latter part of 2023, Apple emerges as the unequivocal champion.
Not only does it stand as the sole player in the Top 3 with positive annual growth, but it clinches the coveted annual number 1 position for the first time ever. This feat is even more remarkable considering the hurdles posed by increased regulations and resurging competition from Huawei in China, its largest market.”
Popal attributes Apple’s continuous triumph to the surging trend of premium devices, now constituting over 20% of the market. This surge is fueled by Apple’s aggressive trade-in incentives and interest-free financing plans, underscoring the brand’s resilience.
Ryan Reith, Group Vice President at IDC’s Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, underscores the seismic shifts at the market’s pinnacle, stating, “Apple’s role in Samsung’s descent is evident, but the broader Android landscape is evolving internally.
Huawei is swiftly reclaiming ground in China, and competitors like OnePlus, Honor, Google, and others are launching highly competitive devices in the upper echelons of the market. Simultaneously, the rise of foldable technology and the escalating discourse surrounding AI capabilities in smartphones add a layer of intrigue. Undoubtedly, the smartphone space is hurtling towards a riveting era.”
What is IDC?
International Data Corporation (IDC) stands as the preeminent global purveyor of market intelligence, advisory services, and events in the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology domains. Boasting a cadre of over 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers a panoramic view of technology, IT benchmarking, sourcing, and industry trends across 110 countries. Founded in 1964, IDC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Data Group (IDG), the foremost tech media, data, and marketing services conglomerate globally.
FAQ:
What is IDC?
International Data Corporation (IDC) stands as the preeminent global purveyor of market intelligence, advisory services, and events in the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology domains. Founded in 1964, IDC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the International Data Group (IDG), the foremost tech media, data, and marketing services conglomerate globally.
