Global smartphone shipments grew 2.3 percent year on year to 336.3 million units in the fourth quarter of 2025, lifting total annual shipments to 1.26 billion units, according to IDC. The smartphone market showed resilience despite tariffs volatility, supply chain disruptions and macroeconomic headwinds, supported by sustained premium demand, strong growth in foldable smartphones and pull-in demand ahead of expected price increases linked to memory shortages.
Apple and Samsung were the main growth drivers in 2025, posting the highest growth rates among the top five vendors at 6.3 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively.
Apple retained its global leadership for the third straight year, fueled by strong iPhone 17 sales and a rebound in China.
Samsung recorded its strongest fourth-quarter growth since 2013 on the back of Galaxy Z Fold 7 and AI-enabled Galaxy A-Series devices.
Combined, Apple and Samsung expanded their market share to 39 percent, highlighting the accelerating premiumization trend.
IDC cautioned that the ongoing memory shortage is expected to push the global smartphone market into decline in 2026, even as average selling prices continue to rise.
Q4 2025
Apple retained its position as the world’s largest smartphone vendor in Q4 2025, shipping 81.3 million units and capturing a 24.2 percent market share. Apple’s shipments grew 4.9 percent compared with the same period last year, reflecting sustained demand for its premium iPhone portfolio.
Samsung strengthened its second-place position with shipments of 61.2 million units and an 18.2 percent market share, delivering the fastest growth among the top five vendors at 18.3 percent year on year.
Xiaomi ranked third with 37.8 million units but saw its market share fall to 11.2 percent following an 11.4 percent decline in shipments, highlighting challenges in key markets.
Vivo and OPPO were closely matched in fourth place, each holding an 8.0 percent share. While vivo’s shipments were largely flat year on year, OPPO recorded a solid 7.6 percent growth, supported by improved performance in select regions.
2025
Apple remained the world’s largest smartphone vendor in 2025, shipping 247.8 million units and securing a 19.7 percent market share. Apple also recorded a solid 6.3 percent annual growth, strengthening its lead in the premium segment.
Samsung followed closely in second place with 241.2 million units shipped and a 19.1 percent market share, delivering the strongest growth among the top five vendors at 7.9 percent year on year. Together, Apple and Samsung accounted for nearly 39 percent of global smartphone shipments in 2025, underlining the continued dominance of premium-focused vendors.
Xiaomi ranked third with shipments of 165.3 million units and a 13.1 percent market share, though its volumes declined 1.9 percent compared with 2024, indicating pressure in key markets and increased competition.
Vivo placed fourth with 103.9 million units and an 8.2 percent share, posting moderate growth of 2.7 percent.
OPPO rounded out the top five with 102.0 million units and an 8.1 percent share, despite a 2.7 percent decline year on year.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH