Global Smartphone Shipments Grow 2% in 2025, Led by Apple and Samsung
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 29 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Market Growth Trend: Global smartphone shipments reached 1.25 billion units in 2025, marking a 2% year-over-year increase and the highest annual volume since 2021, although Greater China saw a slight decline due to the fading subsidy effects.
- Apple's Strong Performance: Apple achieved its highest-ever shipment volume in 2025, with iPhone shipments growing 7% to 240.6 million units, maintaining its position as the world's largest vendor for the third consecutive year, particularly thriving in China with a 26% year-on-year growth.
- Samsung's Significant Rebound: After three consecutive years of decline, Samsung's shipments grew 7% year-on-year in 2025, culminating in a 16% increase in Q4, driven by strong flagship demand and a recovery in entry-level markets, indicating a positive shift in market share.
- Emerging Brands Rising: Nothing emerged as the fastest-growing vendor in 2025, with an 86% increase in shipments surpassing 3 million units, while vivo claimed the fourth spot for the first time, growing 4% to 105.3 million units, highlighting intensified market competition and brand diversification.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 247.990
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 247.990
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Increased User Conversion: The survey reveals that switching rates to Apple have hit a five-year high, with average storage capacity demand growing by 18% year-over-year, indicating a sustained increase in consumer demand for Apple products, further solidifying its market position.
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- Supply Chain Diversification: While Apple continues to manufacture most devices in China, it is expanding assembly operations into countries like Vietnam and India, reflecting a strategic effort to diversify its supply chain without abandoning its core production hub.
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