Apple and Samsung were the leading smartphone vendors by the share of shipments in the United States in the second quarter of 2025, at ** percent and ** percent, respectively. Lenovo ranked third, having accounted for ** percent of shipments. Global smartphone market While Apple continues to lead the U.S. smartphone market, it has traditionally lagged on the global scale. Samsung has been the leading smartphone vendor worldwide since 2012. However, Samsung’s lead in terms of market share has started to dwindle in recent years, meaning that Apple and other Chinese competitors, such as Xiaomi, vivo, and Huawei, have seen a boost in the smartphone industry. Apple’s traction on the global scale in 2020 comes from its move towards 5G-enabled smartphones, which have doubled sales in one year, from 2020 to 2021, alone. Apple is currently the leading vendor in terms of global 5G smartphone shipments. The introduction of 5G throughout the world brings with it the possibility to upheave the smartphone market as we know it. Are U.S. consumers satisfied with Apple and Samsung phones? Apple and Samsung not only lead the smartphone market in the United States in terms of usage but also in terms of customer satisfaction. The highest ranked smartphone models on the American customer satisfaction index are nearly all Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone models. Furthermore, it appears that U.S. smartphone users are unlikely to change their primarily used smartphone brand anytime soon.

As of July 2024, Apple’s iPhone 15 was the most popular smartphone model sold in the United States, accounting for over **** percent of total smartphone sales. The iPhone was the most popular smartphone in the United States at that time, occupying four spots in the top five. Apple and Samsung: two leading competitors Apple and Samsung are the leading smartphone vendors in the United States with a combined market share of almost ** percent in the second quarter of 2023. The two smartphone vendors dominate the U.S. smartphone market not only in terms of sales, but also when it comes to customer satisfaction: Samsung’s Galaxy line and the Apple iPhones are the highest ranked smartphone models on the American customer satisfaction index. In line with their successes in the United States, Apple and Samsung also lead the global smartphone market, albeit to a lesser degree – the two brands have a combined market share of close to ** percent. Smartphone penetration the highest in the United States Smartphone sales value in the United States more than doubled in the last decade, making the U.S. one of the major smartphone markets globally. In 2024, over *** million smartphones were forecast to be sold, with the number of U.S. smartphone users forecast expected to grow in the coming years.

As of 2023, for the first time ever, Apple ranked as the market leader in the global smartphone market with a **** percent share of all shipments. The tech giant retained the top title in 2024, with a share of nearly ** percent of the global smartphone market. Samsung ranked second, holding ** percent of the market share. Global smartphone market share Samsung has seen its popularity steadily increase since it held just a *** percent of the smartphone vendor market at the beginning of 2010. Samsung’s share of the overall mobile phone market, has fluctuated in recent times, dropping to under ** percent in the most recent year. Apple became smartphone market leader based on shipments in 2023. Apple’s smartphone sales are relatively cyclical and peak in the fourth quarter each year. In the fourth quarter of 2024, ** percent of all smartphones new smartphones sold were iPhones. The iPhone generated considerable revenue for Apple with sales of the device amounting to over *** billion U.S. dollars in their 2024 financial year.

In the third quarter of 2025, Samsung held the largest share of global smartphone shipments, at ** percent. Long-time competitor Apple ranked second, with an **** percent market share. Samsung and Apple smartphone sales Smartphone vendors have been suffering from the events of the past couple of years, including the pandemic and the economic downturn. However, they all appear to be recovering, as shown by the recent increase in shipments. For instance, mostly based on the main line of Galaxy Series, Samsung's smartphone shipments totaled nearly ***** million units globally in 2024. Next to Samsung, Apple is a major manufacturer of smartphones worldwide, with the company shipping more than *** million iPhones worldwide in 2024. Apple’s sales tend to be very cyclical, peaking in the fourth quarter each year, much like in the fourth quarter of 2023, when they took the first spot in terms of units shipped globally with around **** units. Xiaomi in the lead While Apple and Samsung are typically the two major companies challenging for the top spot, Huawei had provided a strong challenge in recent years. Particularly, the Chinese company managed to climb the smartphone market ladder between 2011 and 2024, recording shipments of over ** million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, strong performances from rivals like Xiaomi and the effects of the U.S. trade ban have since seen Huawei fall outside the list of top five vendors by smartphone shipments.

Samsung has remained a leading competitor in the global smartphone market. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company shipped approximately 61.4 million units, accounting for a 19 percent share of global smartphone shipments. Its long-time rival Apple followed closely, with an 18.3 percent market share. Samsung’s smartphone market share The smartphone market has fluctuated considerably since 2009. Nokia used to lead the industry with almost 50 percent of the smartphone market share in 2007, but the company’s market presence dropped to around three percent in 2013. Apple and Samsung have remained among the top five smartphone vendors in the world since 2009. Samsung’s Galaxy, first released in 2009, is their main line of smartphone products, while Apple heavily invests in the iPhone, a primary source of revenue for the company. Samsung’s smartphone market share increased significantly in a span of three years, going from three percent in the second quarter of 2009 to 32.2 percent in the second quarter of 2012. None of its competitors have experienced a similar growth. As the overall smartphone market also grew, Samsung was able to maintain its position as the global market leader. In 2024 alone, the Korean electronics giant shipped around 223.5 million smartphones worldwide, and accounted for 19.4 percent of all smartphone shipments worldwide.

In the first quarter of 2023, Samsung had a **** percent share of the smartphone market in Latin America, based on shipments. It was followed by Motorola, accounting for ** percent of the smartphone market in the region. Increase and distribution in Latin America While smartphone penetration in the region was forecast to continue to increase – reaching a share of ** percent by 2025 – the presence of these devices across Latin America is not homogenous. The most populated nations were also the ones with the largest numbers of smartphone owners: Brazil and Mexico had around *** million and ** million users, respectively. However, the penetration rates vary from country to country. For instance, *** out of five Bolivians owned a smartphone, whereas more than **** out of five Chileans had this type of gadget. A traditional pioneer in mobile telecommunications Since 1993, the cityscape of the capital of Chile, Santiago, features an iconic building shaped after a cell phone. The Andean country makes justice to this postcard classic by featuring the highest and yet growing smartphone penetration in Latin America. In 2015, less than ** percent of Chileans used this device. Ten years later, the share is forecast to surpass ** percent. Chile was estimated to be home to nearly ** million smartphone owners in 2022, indicating a continued interest of its consumers in mobile technology.

Apple has kept its position as the leading brand in the smartphone market in North America in the first quarter of 2024, shipping more smartphones than any other vendor. Apple held ** percent of the smartphone market in North America, while Samsung, with the second-largest market share, held ** percent on the North American smartphone market.

In October 2025, Samsung was the brand with the highest market share in South America, accounting for over ** percent of the smartphone web traffic in the region. It was followed by Apple, at around **** percent.

Apple obtains the top original equipment manufacturer (OEM) position as of the second quarter of 2024 with a majority of all smartphone shipments in the United States. Samsung and Levono ranked second and third, with ** and ** percent, respectively.

Apple, Samsung and LG are the leading smartphone OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the United States as of March 2024. Apple holds the highest market share with **** percent, a slight decrease from their share in January 2024. Consistent growth in global smartphone users     The number of smartphone users worldwide has consistently increased in recent years. This growth in smartphone users is forecast to continue, reaching over *** billion by 2026. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was forecasted to reduce the global smartphone unit shipments in 2020. At the end of 2020, it was possible to see that the number of smartphone units shipped in 2020 had decreased compared to previous years. However, smartphone shipment reached its peak in 2016 and has steadily declined since.

Apple's iOS continues to hold the largest share of the smartphone operating systems market in the United States, claiming more than **** of the market in 2024. Apple's share of the U.S. market has remained stable since 2018, when it accounted for around ** percent. This is reflected in all markets, with Apple's global share remaining stable year-on-year. Apple growing at home Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has continued to follow a stunning growth trajectory. Apple became the first U.S. company with a market capitalization exceeding two trillion dollars, just two years on from becoming the first trillion-dollar company. The iPhone, responsible for much of the company’s growth, has cemented its status as the smartphone of choice for many Americans during recent quarters. Google's Android operating system is a close competitor in the U.S. OS market, accounting for around ** percent of the market as of **********. However, Apple commands a far wider lead in the U.S. smartphone manufacturer market, with the Android user base split between various vendors such as Samsung and Motorola. Apple’s popularity across markets Apple has seen success with the iPhone in developed markets across the globe. iPhones accounted for **** of the **** most-sold handsets in the United Kingdom as of ************, and four of the leading five in Germany. Yet, the high price of Apple devices puts Apple at a disadvantage outside of wealthier markets. In Africa, iOS accounted for around ** percent of the mobile OS market in *************, while Android dominated with an ** percent share.

Manufacturers’ market share of smartphone sales in the United States is led by Apple and Samsung, with a market share of 52 percent and 24 percent, respectively, as of the second quarter of 2024. Next to Apple and Samsung are Lenovo and HMD, with respective market shares of 12 and one percent.  Global smartphone market While Apple continues to lead the U.S. smartphone market, it has traditionally lagged behind on the global scale. Samsung has been the leading smartphone vendor worldwide since 2012. However, Samsung’s lead in terms of market share has started to dwindle in recent years, meaning that Apple and other Chinese competitors, such as Xiaomi, vivo, and Huawei, have seen a boost in the smartphone industry. Apple’s traction on the global scale in 2020 comes from its move towards 5G-enabled smartphones, which have doubled sales one year, from 2020 to 2021, alone. Apple is currently the leading vendor in terms of global 5G smartphone shipments. The introduction of 5G throughout the world brings with it the possibility to upheave the smartphone market as we know it. Are U.S. consumers satisfied with Apple and Samsung phones? Apple and Samsung not only lead the smartphone market in the United States in terms of usage, but also in terms of customer satisfaction. The highest ranked smartphone models on the American customer satisfaction index are nearly all Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone models. Furthermore, it appears that U.S. smartphone users are unlikely to change their primarily used smartphone brand anytime soon.

Apple is and has been the market leader in North America from 2011 to 2023. In 2023, Apple obtained a ** percent share of the smartphone market in North America. Samsung ranked second with ** percent in the same year.

Since 2016 Samsung has been the bestselling smartphone brand in Latin America with a market share of over ** percent. In 2023, Motorola ranked second with a market share worth ** percent. In the global ranking, Samsung is first, followed by Apple.

The forecast released in January 2022 anticipated a 1.7 billion U.S. dollar increase in the sales value of smartphones sold in the United States, for a total of 74.7 billion U.S. dollars in sales.

Apple and Samsung lead U.S. smartphone market    

Apple and Samsung are the leading smartphone vendors in the United States with a combined sales market share of close to 70 percent. Both companies have witnessed increasing market shares in recent years, although Samsung’s market share decreased in 2019. Together, the leading smartphone brands are used by around 75 percent of smartphone users in the United States.

Higher smartphone usage in urban areas and high-income groups    

Smartphone penetration in the United States varies according to location. Compared to rural areas, smartphone usage in urban and suburban areas is higher by over ten percent (195003). Smartphone penetration also correlates with income as higher income groups have larger smartphone penetration rates . Overall, the trend over the past years seems to be that the growth in penetration is somewhat the same over the different groups but that the adoption level of smartphones was initially higher with urban groups and higher income groups when smartphones first hit the market. This could be as a result of the high initial price of smartphones- only people with higher incomes could afford them, and the higher demand for network coverage in urban areas due to there being more smartphone users.

In the first quarter of 2024, Samsung and Apple were leaders of the European smartphone market. Xiaomi grew from **** percent in the first quarter of 2019 to ** percent in the first quarter of 2024. Smartphones make up the primary component of the European mobile phone market, with the smartphone penetration rate in Europe being forecast to reach almost ** percent in 2024. Leading manufacturers maintain their share While the total share of the European market held by Samsung and Apple has fluctuated during this time, they still accounted for more than ** percent of the total market in the first quarter of 2024. The two tech giants alone were responsible for around ** percent of global smartphone shipments in the first quarter of 2024. Rather than the larger manufacturers, it has been the smaller manufacturers such as LG, ZTE and Lenovo that have seen their share of shipments decline. Since the third quarter of 2020, Huawei’s share has dropped significantly as well. Huawei stalls Huawei’s previous growth was observed in the increase of total number of handsets shipped to **** million units in the second quarter of 2020. However, in the fourth quarter of 2020, Huawei’s total number of shipments dropped significantly to **** million, and their European smartphone market share dropped to *** percent in the third quarter of 2021.

According to Counterpoint Research, the smartphone market in South Korea was led by Samsung in the first quarter of 2024 with a domestic market share of around ** percent. Samsung Electronics is a South Korean company that produces the Samsung Galaxy smartphones. LG, another Korean tech brand, closed down their smartphone department in 2021. User experience with the two smartphone giants Although Samsung Electronics dominates much of the smartphone market share in South Korea, Apple’s mobile phones have consistently maintained a significant presence. A survey showed that Apple users reported significantly higher satisfaction with the overall experience of using their phones than Samsung users. The difference in perception of the two brands is also clear. Apple iPhones are largely perceived as premium products, a reputation shaped by their high price point and innovative design. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy phones are often viewed as a smart choice due to their value for money and the brand’s wide range, which offers a variety of options to suit different budgets. LG succeeds outside of the smartphone market Following LG Electronics’s exit from the smartphone business, revenue in the home appliances and air solutions sector has increased by approximately ** billion U.S. dollars since 2016. LG Electronics’s total global revenue has been on an upward trend for the past two decades, reaching a record high in 2021. In 2023, the company generated nearly ** trillion South Korean won more than LG Chem, making it the leading revenue-generating subsidiary of LG Group.

In the third quarter of 2025, Apple held an **** percent share of the global smartphone market, marking an increase of *** percentage points compared to the previous quarter. Long-time competitor Samsung maintained the leading position, with a market share of ** percent. Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the smartphone market Apple has been among the top-five smartphone vendors in the world since 2009. With the decline of former market leaders Nokia and RIM, Apple and Samsung were able to grow their presence in the market. As a result of political pressure, tariffs and restrictions imposed by the U.S, Chinese manufacturer Huawei has recently dropped off of the top five list in the smartphone market, while Xiaomi, Oppo, and Transsion have gained ground. Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impact on iPhone sales While the long-term impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sale is difficult to determine, the immediate impact was quickly visible. While large quarterly fluctuations are normal for Apple’s revenue cycle, one must look back to 2017 to find two consecutive quarters in which Apple generated less than ** billion U.S. dollars in revenue from the iPhone. A less strong performance in the first quarter of 2024, lead by the iPhone 16, gave Apple the ****** spot in terms of quarterly global unit shipments after Samsung, although strong sales in the fourth quarter of every year is a common occurrence with Apple products.

Between 2019 and 2023, Samsung's share in the North American smartphone shipments remained relatively stable, recording only minor fluctuations. At the end of the given period, Samsung accounted for around ** percent of the smartphone shipments in the region.

As of October 2025, Xiaomi was the Chinese brand with the highest market share in South America, accounting for **** percent of the smartphone web traffic in the region. It was followed by Huawei, with a market share of less than *** percent. Among all smartphone brands, Samsung was the strongest with nearly **** percent share of the traffic.