Apple came extremely close to becoming the top smartphone vendor in Q3 2024. Reportedly, iPhone shipments reached a record-high in the quarter.
Despite tough competition, Samsung retained its top slot in the worldwide smartphone market.
A new high for iPhone sales in Q3 2024
In the last few years, Apple typically led smartphone shipments worldwide in Q4 following the launch of new iPhones. Q3 is typically a slow quarter for the company, as many consumers hold back on their purchases in anticipation of new iPhones. This time, though, Canalys claims Apple hit its highest sales volume in Q3 2024, reaching a market share of 18%.
“The ongoing strong demand for the iPhone 15 series, along with Apple’s legacy models, played a crucial role in its Q3 performance. The market’s shift towards premium devices, intersected by an ongoing refresh cycle of devices bought during the pandemic, is benefiting Apple, particularly in its strong-hold regions such as North America and Europe,” said Runar Bjørhovde, a Canalys analyst.
Photo: Canalys
The analyst also believes the iPhone 16 will help Apple finish the year on a high despite the initial tepid reaction. This will be due to Apple Intelligence and its expansion to more countries and languages.
Samsung barely managed to edge out Apple
In spite of Apple’s strong performance, Samsung retained its market leader position. It narrowly edged out Apple, supposedly accounting for 18% of smartphone shipments worldwide. Xiaomi took the third position with a 14% market share.
Oppo came in fourth with a 9% market share, with Vivo completing the top five and accounting for 9% of global smartphone sales in Q3 2024.
Overall, Canalys estimates global smartphone shipments increased by 5% YoY despite stiff competition and the global economic slowdown. The demand is fueled by many emerging economies and the beginning of a replacement cycle in Apple’s stronghold markets like the US, Europe and China.
Smartphone sales should see a further bump in Q4 2024 due to the holiday season and major shopping events like 11.11 in China.