In the fiercely competitive smartphone industry, global market dynamics are continually shifting and evolving. Recent figures provided by a research company have revealed that Samsung has returned to its position as the top smartphone manufacturer worldwide, overtaking US tech behemoth Apple. This comes amid falling numbers of shipped units for the iPhone, pushing Apple down to the second spot in the global rankings.
Samsung has consistently been a significant contender, just like Apple, in manufacturing top-tier, technologically advanced phones. The South Korean titan’s rise can be attributed to their vast, highly varied product range catering to a broader consumer base. Its diversified portfolio, compared to Apple’s relatively condensed product line, endows it with the ability to target different price segments effectively. This strategy has driven Samsung’s success in capturing a larger global market share.
As reported, the total shipments of smartphones have grown by 37% in Q3 2021, which is an increase of 15 units over the same period in the previous year. Out of these, Samsung alone accounted for a notable 23% of the total shipments, amassing 81 million units shipped worldwide. This performance reflects the enduring popularity and brand trust that Samsung enjoys among consumers globally.
In contrast, Apple’s units of iPhone shipped witnessed a decline. Counted among the top smartphone brands globally, Apple holds its unique position due to its high-end and luxury models. However, even with the enduring popularity of their product line, Apple started showing signs of decline as its market share decreased to 15% in Q3 2021 from 16% in the same quarter of 2020. The decrease in demand for Apple’s iPhones pushed the tech giant to the second spot in the worldwide smartphone industry.
According to the reports, Samsung’s earning reports show their seasonally adjusted shipments increased in the third quarter due to strong sales of its new Galaxymodels. In contrast, Apple was hampered due to supply bottlenecks that affected its ability to fulfill device orders. This situation resulted from ongoing global supply-chain issues that have hit many sectors, not just smartphones.
However, while Samsung and Apple led in the global smartphone sales, Chinese manufacturers were not far behind, capturing significant spots in the global rankings. Brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo were instrumental in the market’s growth, demonstrating the ascending importance of Chinese providers on the global stage.
In essence, Samsung’s rise to the top of the global smartphone market indicates the sheer consumer demand for accessible, quality tech. The technology industry is known for its dynamism, making it challenging for any one player to remain at the top indefinitely. As Samsung moves ahead and Apple adjusts its strategy in response to the new rankings, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will continue to evolve in the coming months.