Apple is poised to topple Samsung as world’s top phone manufacturer

Apple Overtakes Samsung to Become the World’s Top Smartphone Maker for the First Time in Over a Decade

After years of fierce competition between Apple and Samsung, a new leader has emerged in the global smartphone market. According to market data shared by Counterpoint Research, Apple has become the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, marking its first return to the number-one position in more than ten years. This major shift is largely driven by the strong performance of the latest iPhone lineup and a wave of consumers upgrading their aging devices.

iPhone Sales Surge in Key Markets

Apple’s newest flagship, the iPhone 17, launched in September, and demand has been especially strong in the United States and China — two of the company’s most critical markets. Counterpoint Research notes that the sales boost is tied to two main factors:

• New, compelling features introduced in the iPhone 17 family

• A large number of users replacing devices purchased during the pandemic years

This combination has resulted in double-digit year-over-year growth for Apple in both markets. Analysts also point out that Apple is benefiting from easing U.S.–China tensions and a weaker U.S. dollar, which is helping fuel sales across emerging regions.

Based on the latest projections, Apple is expected to outpace Samsung, its long-time rival, in global smartphone shipments. Counterpoint’s forecast shows:

• iPhone shipments expected to rise by 10% in 2025

• Samsung shipments expected to grow only 4.6%

Overall, the global smartphone market is projected to expand 3.3%, with Apple claiming a significant 19.4% market share. This is the first time since 2011 — the year the iPhone 4s launched — that Apple will claim the top spot.

Apple’s Lead Could Continue for Years

Counterpoint Analyst Yang Wang predicts that Apple’s momentum will likely continue into 2026. The company is expected to strengthen its lineup with the introduction of a foldable iPhone and a more affordable iPhone 17e, further widening the gap between Apple and its competitors. Counterpoint anticipates that Apple will remain the world’s top smartphone brand through at least 2029.

A Different Kind of Measurement: The Street Test

Beyond sales figures, the brand’s dominance even shows up in unusual ways. Reports from the UK indicate that thieves have been returning stolen Samsung phones because iPhones offer much higher resale value on the black market. London’s Metropolitan Police recorded 117,211 stolen mobile devices in 2024, an increase of 2,000 compared to the previous year.