Apple’s smartphone shipments dropped about 10% in the first quarter of 2024, hurt by intensifying competition by Android smartphone makers aiming for the top spot, data from research firm IDC showed on Sunday. Global smartphone shipments increased 7.8% to 289.4 million units during January-March, with Samsung, at 20.8% market share, clinching the top phonemaker spot from Apple.
The iPhone-maker’s steep sales decline comes after its strong performance in the December quarter when it overtook Samsung as the world’s No.1 phone maker. It’s back to the second spot, with 17.3% market share, as Chinese brands such as Huawei gain market share.
Xiaomi, one of China’s top smartphone makers, occupied the third position with a market share of 14.1% during the first quarter.
South Korea’s Samsung, which launched its latest flagship smartphone lineup – Galaxy S24 series – in the beginning of the year, shipped more than 60 million phones during the period. Global sales of Galaxy S24 smartphones jumped 8%, compared to last year’s Galaxy S23 series during their first three weeks of availability, data provider Counterpoint previously said.
On the other hand, Apple’s decline in iPhone shipments underscores the challenges faced by the tech giant in an increasingly competitive market. Despite Apple’s loyal customer base and brand reputation for quality and innovation, the company has encountered hurdles in sustaining growth amid changing market dynamics. Factors such as market saturation, lengthening replacement cycles, and intensified competition from rivals like Samsung have contributed to Apple’s subdued performance in recent quarters. Nevertheless, Apple remains a formidable player in the smartphone arena, leveraging its ecosystem of services and loyal customer base to navigate challenges and pursue future growth opportunities.
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