Apple Edges Samsung in 2025 Smartphone Race as Global Market Grows 2%

In a year defined by razor-thin margins and shifting consumer preferences, Apple has officially claimed the top spot in global smartphone shipments for 2025, narrowly edging out Samsung in a battle that came down to the wire. According to the latest data from Omdia, Apple shipped an impressive 240.6 million units last year, capturing a 19% share of the global market. Samsung wasn’t far behind, with 239.1 million units shipped and an identical 19% market share—making 2025 one of the most competitive years in smartphone history.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that both tech giants grew their shipments by exactly 7% compared to 2024, underscoring the fierce rivalry and relentless innovation driving the industry forward.

Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo Battle for the Podium

While Apple and Samsung dominated the headlines, other players in the Android ecosystem also made their mark. Xiaomi secured third place with 165.4 million units shipped, though it faced a 2% decline from the previous year, holding onto a 13% market share. Vivo followed closely in fourth, shipping 105.3 million units and achieving 8% market share with a healthy 4% year-over-year growth. Oppo rounded out the top five with 100.7 million shipments and an 8% share, despite a slight 3% dip in sales compared to 2024.

The competition doesn’t stop there. Transsion, a rising star in emerging markets, matched Oppo’s 8% share, while Honor, Lenovo, Huawei, and Realme completed the leaderboard with 6%, 5%, 4%, and 3% shares respectively.

Global Market Growth and Regional Dynamics

On a macro level, the global smartphone market grew by 2% in 2025, reaching a total of 1.25 billion units shipped. This growth was driven by strong performance across most regions, with one notable exception: Greater China. The region experienced a marginal decline, attributed to the fading impact of national subsidy schemes that had previously boosted sales.

However, Apple managed to buck the trend in China, achieving a staggering 26% growth in Mainland China. This surge was largely fueled by robust demand for the iPhone 17 series, signaling Apple’s deepening foothold in one of its most critical markets.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As the industry celebrates another year of growth, Omdia warns of potential headwinds in 2026, particularly in the memory sector. Supply chain disruptions and fluctuating component costs could pose challenges for manufacturers, making strategic planning and innovation more crucial than ever.

For now, Apple’s narrow victory over Samsung is a testament to the power of brand loyalty, cutting-edge technology, and global reach. As the race for smartphone supremacy continues, consumers can expect even more groundbreaking devices and fierce competition in the years to come.

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