Apple, according to a new forecast from Counterpoint Research, is projected to end Samsung’s 14-year reign as the global smartphone market leader. Apple has not held this title since 2011.
Apple to Lead Smartphone Market
While overall smartphone shipments are expected to rise modestly by 3.3% next year, Counterpoint projects the company’s growth to far outpace the market at approximately 10%. This surge is expected to secure the company a 19.4% share of the global market, enough to push Samsung into second place, despite the Korean company’s solid 4.6% growth projection. Analysts suggest Apple could maintain this lead through at least 2029.
The current iPhone 17 lineup is performing exceptionally well in key markets, particularly China. Furthermore, the market is experiencing a significant upgrade cycle as smartphones purchased during the pandemic begin to age out.
Additionally, from 2023 to mid-2025, an estimated 358 million used iPhones were traded globally, reinforcing user loyalty. Looking ahead, the company is rumored to be preparing a foldable iPhone for 2026, aiming to challenge Samsung’s foldables, along with a potential lower-cost iPhone 17e to widen market sales options.
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later.
Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH.
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