Apple Reclaims Top Spot in Q4 Smartphone Shipments
After more than 14 years, Apple has overtaken Samsung to become the world’s leading smartphone vendor in the final quarter of 2025. According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), global smartphone shipments reached 336.3 million units in Q4 2025, marking a 2.3% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Apple led the charge with 81.3 million shipments, securing a 24.2% share of the global market.
The strong performance was largely driven by the success of the iPhone 17 series, which helped Apple achieve its highest quarterly revenue ever, as well as its best Q4 growth since 2021. Samsung, while falling to second place, also posted impressive numbers with 61.2 million shipments and an 18.2% market share, reflecting a remarkable 18.3% year-over-year growth.
Market Leaders and Their Performance
Xiaomi secured third place with 37.8 million units shipped, accounting for 11.2% of the market, although it experienced an 11.4% decline compared to the previous year. Both vivo and Oppo were neck and neck for fourth place, shipping 27 million and 26.9 million units respectively. Despite challenges such as the ongoing memory chip shortage and economic uncertainties including tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the global smartphone market managed to grow steadily, buoyed by strong demand in the premium segment and anticipation of price increases.
Annual Overview: Apple Maintains Lead for 2025
Looking at the full year, a total of 1.26 billion smartphones were shipped worldwide in 2025. Apple once again emerged as the clear winner, shipping a record 247.8 million devices and capturing a 19.7% share of the market—meaning roughly one in every five smartphones sold last year was an iPhone. Samsung followed closely with 241.2 million shipments and a 19.1% market share, posting a 7.9% year-over-year increase. Xiaomi, vivo, and Oppo rounded out the top five, with Xiaomi shipping 165.3 million units and the latter two brands contributing just over 8% each.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026
Despite the positive growth figures, the smartphone industry faces headwinds in 2026. The persistent memory chip shortage is expected to disrupt supply chains further, potentially leading to higher device prices and a market contraction. IDC analysts suggest that the size and scale of manufacturers will be critical in navigating these challenges, with larger companies better positioned to negotiate favourable component costs and maintain competitive pricing.
As the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics influence market shares and consumer choices throughout the coming year.
Source: GSM Arena