After more than 14 years, Apple overtakes Samsung as the top smartphone vendor in the world. According to preliminary data International Data Corporation (IDC)A total of 336.3 million smartphones were shipped in the last quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 2.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
Apple led the way during this period with 81.3 million shipments and 24.2% global market share. Cupertino rode the success of its iPhone 17 series, achieving its highest-ever quarterly revenue and its best Q4 growth since 2021.
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Falling to second place, Samsung finished the year strong with 61.2 million shipments and 18.2% market share. The Korean brand achieved an impressive annual growth of over 18%, the highest of any brand in the top-5.
Xiaomi came in third with 37.8 million shipments and 11.2% market share, while Vivo (27M) and Oppo (26.9M) came in fourth.
| Top 5 companies, worldwide smartphone shipments, market share and year-on-year growth, Q4 2025 (Preliminary results, shipments in millions of units) |
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| company | Q4 25 Shipments | Q4 25 market share | Q4 24 Shipment | Q4 24 Market Share | Q4 24/Q4 25 growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Apple | 81.3 | 24.2% | 77.5 | 23.6% | 4.9% |
| 2. Samsung | 61.2 | 18.2% | 51.7 | 15.7% | 18.3% |
| 3. Xiaomi | 37.8 | 11.2% | 42.7 | 13.0% | -11.4% |
| 4. Vivo | 27.0 | 8.0% | 27.1 | 8.2% | -0.4% |
| 4. Opposition | 102.1 | 30.4% | 104.8 | 31.9% | -2.6% |
| Other | 102.1 | 30.4% | 104.8 | 31.9% | -2.6% |
| Total | 336.3 | 100.00% | 328.8 | 100.00% | 2.3% |
| Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, January 13, 2026 | |||||
Despite the ongoing memory chip shortage and a year filled with economic uncertainties such as tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the global smartphone market achieved growth of 1.9%. There was strong consumer demand due to continued growth in the premium segment as well as anticipated price increases.
Looking at the annual statistics, a total of 1.26 billion smartphones were shipped in 2025 and Apple was once again the clear winner. Cupertino achieved a record 247.8 million shipments in the period with a 19.7% global market share. In other words, 1 out of every 5 phones shipped in 2025 was an iPhone.
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Samsung came in second place, registering 7.9% annual growth with 241.2 million shipments and 19.1% market share. Xiaomi managed 165.3 million shipments, while Vivo and Oppo each contributed more than 8 million shipments.
| Top 5 companies, worldwide smartphone shipments, market share and year-on-year growth, CY 2025 (Preliminary results, shipments in millions of units) |
|||||
| company | 2025 shipment | 2025 market share | 2024 shipment | 2024 market share | 2024/2025 development |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Apple | 247.8 | 19.7% | 233.1 | 18.9% | 6.3% |
| 2. Samsung | 241.2 | 19.1% | 223.5 | 18.1% | 7.9% |
| 3. Xiaomi | 165.3 | 13.1% | 168.4 | 13.6% | -1.9% |
| 4. Vivo | 103.9 | 8.2% | 101.2 | 8.2% | 2.7% |
| 4. Opposition | 102 | 8.1% | 104.8 | 8.5% | -2.7% |
| Other | 400 | 31.7% | 405.2 | 32.8% | -1.3% |
| Total | 1,260.3 | 100.00% | 1,236.3 | 100.00% | 1.9% |
| Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, January 13, 2026 | |||||
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to bring a different outlook for the smartphone market, with supply chains expected to be severely disrupted by the ongoing memory chip shortage. The market is expected to decline as smartphone prices will inevitably rise. According to IDC analysts, the size and scale of OEMs will play a major factor in success, with larger players better suited to secure favorable component prices.
