Apple Shipped the Most Smartphones Globally in 2023
2023 marked a year of multiple firsts for Apple's iPhone.
Not only did the Cupertino tech giant debut USB-C connectivity on the iPhone last year, but it also overtook Samsung in total smartphones shipped globally.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker's data, Apple shipped 234.6 million units in 2023, equivalent to a 20.1% market share. Samsung, in comparison, shipped 226.6 units for a 19.4% market share. It marked the first time Apple beat Samsung in this category, with the latter holding the top spot annually since 2010.
Three Chinese smartphone manufacturers followed Apple and Samsung in the top five spots. Xiaomi came in at third, with 145.9 million units shipped globally, Oppo followed behind it, with 103.1 million and Transsion came in fifth, with 94.9 million units.
"Apple certainly played a part in Samsung's drop in rank, but the overall Android space is diversifying within itself," explained Ryan Reith, IDC's Worldwide Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers Group Vice President.
"Huawei is back and making inroads quickly within China. Brands like OnePlus, Honor, Google, and others are launching very competitive devices in the lower price range of the high end. And foldables and increased discussions around AI capabilities on the smartphone are gaining traction," he added. "Overall, the smartphone space is headed towards a very interesting time."
Overall smartphone shipments in the year, however, reportedly declined by 3.2% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Then again, there was an observed increase in shipments of 8.4% during the fourth quarter of the year, which was likely due to the release of the iPhone 15 series.
Apple took the top spot in most smartphone units shipped globally in 2023, according to IDC data.
It marked the first time Apple beat Samsung in this category, with the latter holding the top spot annually since 2010.
Xiaomi, Oppo and Transsion rounded out the top five.