Apple has emerged triumphant over Samsung, claiming the coveted title of the world’s leading smartphone vendor for Q4 of 2023, seizing an impressive 24% share of total shipments, as reported by the reputable research firm Canalys. Not only did Apple dominate the final quarter, but it also clinched the top vendor spot for the entire year, an unprecedented achievement, marking the first time it has outpaced Samsung annually.
The smartphone landscape witnessed a remarkable resurgence in Q4 2023, experiencing positive growth after enduring seven consecutive quarters of decline. The quarter saw a substantial 8 percentage point increase in smartphone shipments, totalling a staggering 320 million units, signalling a significant turnaround from the figures reported in Q4 2022.
Apple’s stellar performance in Q4 2023 was fueled by robust demand for its cutting-edge iPhone 15 series, securing an impressive 24% of all shipments. Samsung, while securing the second spot with a 17% market share, faced a dip in the low-end segment. Xiaomi claimed the third position with a 13% share, while Transsion continued its upward trajectory, finishing the quarter as the fourth leading smartphone vendor with a 9% market share. Vivo rounded out the top five with a commendable 7%.
Canalys analysts attribute the demand surge to thriving markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, with low and midrange devices emerging as the driving force behind this remarkable growth. Looking ahead, Canalys anticipates a pivotal shift toward on-device AI in high-end devices slated for launch in 2024, as major players strategically position themselves to meet the escalating market demand. The stage is set for an exciting evolution in the smartphone landscape, with innovation and market dynamics poised to shape the industry’s trajectory in 2024.
Worldwide smartphone market share split –
