- Apple’s share of smartphone sales is expected to reach 19.4% in 2025.
- This puts Apple slightly ahead of Samsung.
- Samsung has dominated this ranking for 14 years.
In 2025, the world leader in smartphone sales will change. Apple is likely to lead global shipments and end Samsung’s 14-year monopoly.
Information provided by the following analysts: competitionRiley EdgeAlthough these are just estimates, Apple is expected to sell 243 million phones this year, accounting for 19,4% of the total market share,
This puts the Apple brand one step ahead of Samsung, which is expected to sell 235 million devices in 2025. According to the report, this positive momentum from Apple will contribute to a 3.3% year-on-year growth in overall smartphone sales.
Some of these positive results can be attributed to stronger than expected demand for the iPhone 17 series. According to a report from Counterpoint, despite rumors of declining iPhone Air sales, Apple sold 12% more iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models than the four iPhone 16 models during the same period.
iPhone demand is expected to remain strong
“Consumers who purchased smartphones during the COVID-19 surge are now upgrading their smartphones.” King Yang explains:Antidote Analyst. “Additionally, 358 million used iPhones were sold from Q2 2023 to Q2 2025. These users may also upgrade to new iPhones over the next few years.”
The combination of these factors, especially in addition to lower-than-expected tariffs, will continue to drive strong demand for the iPhone in the coming months. Counterpoint also estimated that Apple could retain its leadership until 2029. Now the credit for this goes to Samsung.
Samsung’s sales are also expected to grow this year, especially in emerging markets and developing countries, but not enough to regain the top spot, at least according to Counterpoint, which relied on information from its supply chain and distributors.
The report also confirms some rumors that the iPhone 17e and foldable iPhone are planned for release in 2026. There are also rumors that the iPhone release schedule will be changed from next year, with only the iPhone 18 Pro models releasing in September.
