New research from Counterpoint Research claims Apple could be the top smartphone maker for a full year for the first time ever.
In the smartphone sector, a change is being seen in the global landscape and, in this changing scenario, Apple is preparing to achieve an unprecedented milestone. According to Counterpoint Research analysis, global mobile device shipments are expected to decline by 6% this year.
However, amid this downward trend, Apple is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in shipments for a full year, an achievement that, until now, hasn’t been part of its track record.
The opportunity for this company to assume this leading role in the industry arises in a context in which several factors are converging to promote this highly coveted position.
As the premium segment of smartphones continues to show its great potential, Apple is currently in a prime position given the expectation of the launch of the iPhone 15. Conditions are extremely favorable for Apple to surpass its competitors and crown itself as the leading manufacturer of smartphones globally.
Counterpoint Research Director Jeff Fieldhack says, “We’re watching Q4 with interest because the iPhone 15 launch is a window for carriers to steal high-value customers.”
The new iPhone 15 will reveal the winner of 2023
While Samsung has been a benchmark in the industry for several years, the paradigm shift and the great potential of Apple are changing the dynamics. According to Counterpoint Research, the successful launch of the iPhone 15, coupled with carriers’ aggressive strategies to attract customers, could give Apple a crucial advantage over Samsung.
However, as part of the equation, one must also consider the production cuts that have wreaked havoc on the iPhone 15 lineup and could ultimately influence the 2023 data.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, Apple was the world’s leading smartphone maker, enjoying its highest ever global market share at 25%. Since then, Samsung regained the lead and Apple had a 16% slice of the global mobile pie during the second quarter of 2023.
If Counterpoint is right, Apple could regain leadership by the end of the fourth quarter of this year. At the moment, we have to wait and see how the worldwide launch of the new iPhone 15 works.