Apple CEO Tim Cook stated to the media shortly after announcing record quarterly revenue of $102.5 billion at the end of last month that "consumer response to the iPhone 17 series has been beyond imagination." However, contrary to expectations, Apple is reportedly delaying the release of the successor model to the ultra-thin smartphone 'iPhone Air' due to weak sales.
With the success of the iPhone 17 series, Apple's market share based on smartphone shipments is expected to reach 19.4%. There is a possibility that Apple will surpass Samsung Electronics to take the top spot. Apple has announced plans to launch foldable and budget smartphones, and the market predicts that Apple will remain the top smartphone shipper through 2029.
Apple is expected to surpass Samsung Electronics in smartphone shipments for the first time since 2011, thanks to the strong performance of the iPhone 17 series.
According to Bloomberg News on November 25 (local time), market research firm Counterpoint Research recently reported that Apple is projected to become the world’s number one smartphone shipper this year with a 19.4% market share. This is attributed to a 10% growth in iPhone shipments this year, while Samsung Galaxy smartphones are expected to see only a 4.6% increase during the same period.
While Apple has consistently held the top spot among smartphone manufacturers in terms of revenue, this is the first time in 14 years, since 2011, that it will surpass Samsung Electronics in terms of shipment volume. Apple has focused on high-end premium products with higher price points, whereas Samsung Electronics has offered a wide range of products from premium to budget models.
In particular, the iPhone 17 series, launched in September, received a strong response not only in the U.S. domestic market but also in emerging markets such as China. Analysts attribute this to a combination of eased tensions following the U.S.-China trade agreement and a weaker dollar, which improved price competitiveness. Yang Wang, an analyst at Counterpoint, commented, "The upward revision in shipment forecasts is not only due to the positive response to the iPhone 17 series but also because the product replacement cycle has arrived," adding, "Consumers who purchased smartphones during the COVID-19 period are now entering the replacement phase."
Additionally, analyst Wang predicted that Apple will maintain its position as the leading smartphone manufacturer through 2029. This outlook is based on expectations that Apple will launch a foldable iPhone and a budget model, the 'iPhone 17e.' Traditionally, Apple has announced new smartphones every September, but starting in 2026, it is expected to split its launch cycle into two releases per year-budget models in the first half and premium models in the second half-to further boost sales.
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Reporter Lee Seunghyeong trust@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Choo Myeonghoon chox2mh@asiae.co.kr
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