In a groundbreaking development, Apple has secured the leading position in the global smartphone market, surpassing Samsung for the first time in history in 2023, as reported by Korea Joongang Daily. According to Taipei-based research institute MIC (Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute), a division of the III (Institute for Information Industry), the shipment volume of Apple iPhones reached 225.9 million units in 2023, while Samsung achieved 223.1 million units, both rounding up to 20% market shares.
Rachel Liao, a senior industry analyst with MIC, stated, "Other than the rollout of the iPhone 15, Apple's growth is mainly attributed to the thriving sales performance in the emerging markets such as the Middle East and India and the relatively weak sales of Samsung last year."
This achievement marks the first time since 2010 that Apple has overtaken Samsung as the market leader. Looking ahead to 2024, Liao anticipates a slight recovery in the demand for smartphones, projecting a total global smartphone shipment volume of 1,185.1 million units for 2024, with a 3% year-on-year growth.