As iPhone shipments drop in March quarter, Samsung pips Apple to become top smartphone maker: IDC data
The iPhone-makers steep sales decline comes after its strong performance in the December quarter when it overtook Samsung as the worlds No.1 phone maker. Its back to the second spot, with 17.3 per cent market share, as Chinese brands such as Huawei gain market share.
Apple's smartphone shipments dropped about 10 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, hurt by intensifying competition by Android smartphone makers aiming for the top spot, data from research firm IDC showed on Sunday.
Global smartphone shipments increased 7.8 per cent to 289.4 million units during January-March, with Samsung, at 20.8 per cent market share, clinching the top phonemaker spot from Apple.
The iPhone-maker's steep sales decline comes after its strong performance in the December quarter when it overtook Samsung as the world's No.1 phone maker. It's back to the second spot, with 17.3 per cent market share, as Chinese brands such as Huawei gain market share.
Xiaomi, one of China's top smartphone makers, occupied the third position with a market share of 14.1 per cent during the first quarter.
ALSO READ: Apple issues threat alerts to iPhone users amidst rising spyware attacks
South Korea's Samsung, which launched its latest flagship smartphone lineup - Galaxy S24 series - in the beginning of the year, shipped more than 60 million phones during the period.
Global sales of Galaxy S24 smartphones jumped 8 per cent , compared to last year's Galaxy S23 series during their first three weeks of availability, data provider Counterpoint previously said.
In the first quarter, Apple shipped 50.1 million iPhones, down from 55.4 million units it shipped same period last year, according to IDC.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus Review: Simply justifies the ‘Plus’
The Cupertino, California-based company in June will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where it will highlight updates to the software powering iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.
Investors are closely watching for updates on artificial intelligence development at Apple, which has so far spoken little about incorporating the AI technology into its devices. The company earlier this year lost the crown as the world's most valuable company to Microsoft.
ALSO READ: Samsung set to launch new range of AI TVs on April 17
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.