Apple overtakes Samsung as leading mobile brand for first time in 13 years | Technologies

This is a significant change in global market dynamics smartphones: Apple has overtaken Samsung as the number one seller of mobile phones for the first time since 2010, according to preliminary data from an annual report from consultancy International Data Corporation (IDC). World market smartphones In 2023, sales fell 3.2% to 1.17 billion units, the lowest annual volume in a decade. According to the consulting firm, Apple achieved a market share of 20%, selling more than 234 million phones (its share last year was 18.8%), while Samsung sold 226.6 million units and remained with a share of 19.4%. In 2022, Samsung became the leader with a share of 21.7%, which means its sales fell by more than 13%. Xiaomi, OPPO and Transsion rank third, fourth and fifth respectively, although 31% of market sales come from other sellers.

Nabila Popal, research director of the IDC Worldwide Tracker team, explains: “While low-end Android players such as Transsion and Xiaomi posted strong growth in the second half of 2023, Apple emerged as the clear winner. “Not only did it show positive year-on-year growth, but it also achieved first place for the first time – an achievement achieved despite regulatory challenges and increased competition from Huawei in China.” Popal attributed the continued success to the growing device trend. bonuswhich currently represent over 20% of the market, and highlighted strategic initiatives such as offering interest-free financing plans as key factors driving adoption of these devices. bonus.

IDC also highlights that brands like Huawei, OnePlus, Honor, Google and others are making significant strides in the Android world, especially at the lower end of high-end devices. The consultancy expects a significant market recovery in 2024, supported by strong growth in the second half of 2023. In the fourth quarter (4Q23) alone, growth was 8.5%, with 326.1 million sales, beating the forecast growth of 7.3. The advent of foldable phones and the growing debate about the possibilities of artificial intelligence in the world. smartphones According to the consulting company, they will give impetus to the market. “The general change in the ranking of market leaders once again emphasizes the intensity of competition within smartphones– comments Ryan Reith, vice president of IDC. “This business is heading towards a very exciting time, with diverse players and innovative features shaping the future of consumer electronics.”

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