For the first time in 13 years, Apple owns the spot for the most shipped according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. Apple emerged as the leading smartphone vendor in 2023, according to both IDC and Canalys, although final figures may still shift slightly.
IDC’s preliminary data shows Apple shipped 234.6 million phones, edging out Samsung’s 226.6 million. Xiaomi, Oppo, and Transsion followed in the rankings with 145.9 million, 103.1 million, and 94.9 million shipments, respectively.
This is the first time Apple has held the top spot since 2010, when the landscape was vastly different: Nokia reigned supreme, followed by Samsung, LG, ZTE, and BlackBerry.
So what changed?
“Apple’s rise reflects the growing popularity of premium phones,” says IDC analyst Nabila Popal. “They now make up over 20% of the market, thanks to trade-in programs and financing options.”
While Apple enjoyed success, competition from other Android brands like Huawei, OnePlus, Honor, and Google intensified. In China, Huawei’s “improving strength” could pose a challenge to Apple’s dominance, according to Canalys. Reports suggest Huawei overcame US sanctions and developed a 7nm processor for its 5G-capable Mate 60 Pro.
Despite a 3.2% decline in overall smartphone shipments for 2023 compared to 2022, there are signs of recovery. Both IDC and Canalys report an 8% growth in shipments during the fourth quarter, potentially marking the end of a seven-quarter slump.
