Global smartphone shipments saw a 3 percent year-on-year increase for the October-December (Q4) period in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth. According to Canalys, the growth was driven by strong demand for the newly launched iPhone 16 series, helping Apple secure the top spot in the global smartphone market with a 23 percent market share. Samsung followed closely in second place, while Chinese brands Xiaomi, Transsion Group, and Vivo rounded out the top five. Notably, Xiaomi stood out as the only brand among the top three to experience year-on-year growth.
The Canalys report revealed that total smartphone shipments reached 330 million units in Q4 2024, contributing to a global shipment total of 1.22 billion units for the entire year. This represents a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year, indicating a recovery in the global smartphone market. While the overall growth is encouraging, it is also indicative of a competitive landscape where brands are vying for dominance in an ever-changing market.
Apple’s performance in Q4 2024 solidified its position as the leader in smartphone shipments, with the iPhone 16 series continuing to capture consumer interest, particularly in emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia. Despite a slight dip from its 24 percent market share in Q3 2023, Apple’s strong sales performance in these regions allowed it to maintain its edge over Samsung for the second consecutive year.
Samsung’s position in second place was challenged by the increasing strength of Chinese brands, with Xiaomi and Transsion Group showing significant activity in global markets. However, Xiaomi was the only one of the top three brands to report year-on-year growth in Q4 2024, highlighting its continued success in regions like Europe and India. As the smartphone industry continues to grow, the competition between these major players remains fierce, with each brand seeking to expand its footprint in key markets around the world.