In anticipation of Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 15 launch, Nabila Popal, an analyst at IDC (International Data Corporation), has provided key market observations that shed light on the evolving smartphone landscape and Apple’s prominent position within it.
Increasing Share of Pro/ProMax Models: One notable trend is the rising popularity of Apple’s Pro and ProMax models. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the new iPhone 15 Pro and ProMax will continue this trend. During the launch quarter, more expensive Pro and ProMax variants have been steadily capturing a larger share of the flagship lineup. This shift has been instrumental in driving Apple’s Average Selling Price (ASP) upward, nearly reaching the $1,000 mark by the second quarter of 2023.
Dominance in the Premium Segment: Apple’s dominance in the premium smartphone segment (priced at $800 and above) is striking. Seven out of the top 10 models in this premium segment belong to Apple, with the iPhone 14 Pro and ProMax leading the pack. Samsung’s Ultra series, especially the top-of-the-line flagship in the Samsung S series, has also performed impressively among its peers. Notably, the premium smartphone market is driven significantly by the United States and China, accounting for nearly half of all premium smartphone shipments.
Apple vs. Samsung Portfolio Evolution: The age-old rivalry between Apple and Samsung continues to shape the smartphone landscape. Interestingly, 76 percent of Apple’s smartphone shipments fall into the premium category, while this figure stands at 20 percent for Samsung. Both companies are increasingly focusing on premium products within their respective portfolios. However, Apple’s shift towards premium offerings has been notably more rapid.
iOS Gains Market Share: With the launch of the iPhone 15 at the Apple event, IDC predicts that iOS is set to achieve its highest share of the global smartphone market this year, reaching 20 percent. In contrast, Android is expected to experience a 6 percent year-on-year decline in shipments in 2023, while iOS is projected to grow by 1 percent.
China Emerging as a Major Market: China is fast becoming as significant a market for Apple as the United States. In the first half of 2023, China accounted for 22 percent of Apple’s market share, closely trailing the U.S. at 26 percent. This represents a notable shift from 2019, as per IDC data.
Growth of Premium Smartphones: The premium smartphone segment has shown remarkable growth, increasing from 10 percent to 20 percent of the total smartphone market share since 2019. Within this segment, Apple has made significant gains, commanding a dominant 71 percent share. Meanwhile, Samsung Mobile is making concerted efforts to regain lost ground with products like the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5.
These insights from IDC’s Nabila Popal offer a glimpse into the ever-changing smartphone landscape and Apple’s continued prominence within it. As the iPhone 15 is unveiled, it will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve and whether Apple’s latest offerings can further cement its position in the premium smartphone market.
