Apple to overtake Samsung for top phone vendor spot: Report

Following the successful release of the iPhone 17 series, Apple is set to overtake Samsung as the leading smartphone maker in the world in 2025 to claim the top spot for the first time in more than a decade.

according to Market Research from Counterpoint Released on Wednesday, the iPhone 17 lineup Apple launched in September has been a hit in the company’s two key markets: the US and China. More people are upgrading their phones than last year, leading to double-digit sales growth in both markets this year compared to 2024.

Overall, according to Counterpoint, the smartphone market is expected to grow 3.3% in 2025. The research firm estimates that Apple will capture 19.4% of the global market share in smartphone shipments in 2025, surpassing Samsung’s expected 18.7% share for this year.

competition told cnbc It was reported Wednesday that Apple is expected to ship about 243 million iPhones this year, compared to Samsung’s 235 million shipments. According to the research firm, Apple shipments are projected to grow 10% this year compared to Samsung’s 4.6%. The last time Apple led in shipment volume was 2011; Since then Samsung has maintained the top position.

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“In addition to the overwhelmingly positive market reception for the iPhone 17 series, the main driver behind the improved shipment outlook lies in the replacement cycle reaching its inflection point,” Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang said in a statement. “Consumers who purchased smartphones during the COVID-19 boom are now entering their upgrade phase. Additionally, 358 million secondhand iPhones were sold between 2023 and Q2 2025. These users are also likely to upgrade to new iPhones in the coming years.”

Wang believes Apple will continue to dominate sales in the future. The company is expected to release a foldable iPhone in 2026 and implement a major iPhone design overhaul In 2027.

Taking those developments into account, Counterpoint expects Apple to remain the top smartphone vendor in the world through 2029.

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Apple said earlier this month He expects the holiday quarter to increase revenue by 10% to 12%, or $137 billion to $139 billion in sales, the biggest quarter ever for total revenue and iPhone sales. Company may reach record revenue as $140 billion For the quarter, Bloomberg reports.

More iPhones may be coming. Expected to be launched by Apple budget iPhone 17e In the spring at a price point starting at $599. The company had launched iPhone 16e at the same price in February.

Apple has was late in arriving A more personalized AI Siri by 2026, but Counterpoint says the delay has “no impact on iPhone sales” and more upgrades are likely when it’s introduced next year.

Following the successful release of the iPhone 17 series, Apple is set to overtake Samsung as the leading smartphone maker in the world in 2025 to claim the top spot for the first time in more than a decade.

according to Market Research from Counterpoint Released on Wednesday, the iPhone 17 lineup Apple launched in September has been a hit in the company’s two key markets: the US and China. More people are upgrading their phones than last year, leading to double-digit sales growth in both markets this year compared to 2024.