Finance

Apple leads global smartphone market with 20% share in 2025, says Counterpoint

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 12, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Apple leads global smartphone market with 20% share in 2025, says Counterpoint
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Global smartphone shipments rose 2% year-on-year in 2025, lifted by stronger demand and economic (?) momentum in emerging markets, Counterpoint Research said on Monday. Apple led

Apple Dominates Global Smartphone Market with 20% Share in 2025

Overview of the Global Smartphone Market in 2025

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Global smartphone shipments rose 2% year-on-year in 2025, lifted by stronger demand and economic (?) momentum in emerging markets, Counterpoint Research said on Monday.

Apple's Market Leadership

Apple led the market with a 20% share, the largest among the top five brands, supported by solid demand in emerging and mid-sized markets and strong sales of the iPhone 17 series, said Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra.

Competitors and Market Shares

Manufacturers pulled shipments forward early in the year to get ahead of tariffs, but the effect eased as 2025 progressed, leaving second-half volumes largely unaffected, the firm said.

Future Market Predictions

Samsung ranked second with a 19% share on modest shipment growth, while Xiaomi placed third with a 13% share, backed by steady demand in emerging markets.

The global smartphone market is expected to soften in 2026 amid chip shortages and rising component costs, as chipmakers prioritise AI data centres over handsets, Counterpoint research director Tarun Pathak said. 

(Reporting by Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)

Key Takeaways

  • Apple holds 20% of the global smartphone market in 2025.
  • Global smartphone shipments increased by 2% year-on-year.
  • Samsung and Xiaomi follow Apple in market share.
  • Emerging markets drive smartphone demand.
  • Chip shortages may affect the 2026 market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is market share?
Market share is the percentage of an industry's sales that a particular company controls. It is a key indicator of competitiveness and market presence.
What are smartphone shipments?
Smartphone shipments refer to the number of smartphones delivered to retailers or consumers within a specific timeframe, often used to gauge market demand and trends.
What is demand in economics?
Demand in economics refers to the quantity of a product or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices during a given period.
What is the iPhone 17 series?
The iPhone 17 series refers to Apple's line of smartphones released in a specific year, known for its advanced features and technology upgrades.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category