Samsung 19%, Apple 18%: tight race in Q3 smartphone market share

[Korea Financial Times, Gwak Horyung] Samsung Electronics maintained its top position in global smartphone market share, but Apple's pursuit is formidable.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, global smartphone shipments in the third quarter of this year increased 3 percent year-on-year.

Demand rose mainly for low-cost phones in India, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Analysis suggests that despite declining shipments in developed countries such as the US, premium product demand remained strong.
Samsung Electronics maintained first place with 19 percent market share as shipments increased 6 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. Mid-to-low-priced A series models such as Galaxy A12 and A02 launched in August are driving growth, while Galaxy Z Fold 7 is performing well.

However, second-place Apple's growth momentum is fierce. Apple's shipment growth rate of 9 percent was the highest among major brands. Market share expanded 1 percentage point year-on-year to 18 percent. Particularly, the newly released iPhone 17 series in mid-September is showing strong sales.

iPhone 17 sales in the 10 days following launch increased 14 percent compared to its predecessor iPhone 16. Market analysts believe the iPhone 17 standard model's performance led the success.


Counterpoint Research stated: "In China, iPhone 17 standard model initial sales are nearly double that of iPhone 16." According to industry sources, Apple reportedly requested production increases from component suppliers after confirming demand for the iPhone 17 standard model.

Third to fifth places are held by Chinese companies Xiaomi (14 percent market share), Oppo (9 percent), and Vivo (9 percent) respectively. Analysis suggests they are showing solid growth in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, led by affordable models.

Gwak Horyung (horr@fntimes.com)