(Reuters) – Smartphone shipments for both Apple and Samsung experienced a decline in the global market in the fourth quarter, attributed to the intense competition from Chinese companies like Xiaomi, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) released on Monday.
The global smartphone market witnessed a strong rebound following two years of decline, with Chinese smartphone manufacturers significantly increasing their market share through robust growth in low-end devices and a strategic focus on the domestic market.
Nabila Popal, senior research director for worldwide client devices at IDC, commented, “While we maintain optimism about continued growth in 2025, the uncertainty across the industry has been heightened by the imminent threat of new and increased tariffs from the new U.S. administration.”
Apple saw its global shipments decrease by 4.1% to 76.9 million units in the fourth quarter, while Samsung experienced a 2.7% drop to 51.7 million units, as competition from Chinese rivals such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor intensified, as per IDC’s report.
In 2024, Apple led the global smartphone market with a 18.7% share, followed closely by Samsung at 18% and China’s Xiaomi at 13.6%. Despite this, among the top five smartphone brands last year, Apple’s shipments declined by 0.9% and Samsung’s by 1.4%, with Xiaomi showing the strongest growth with a 15.4% increase in shipments.
Chinese mobile manufacturers accounted for 56% of the global smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter, marking the highest combined volume ever in a single quarter, bolstered by their expansion into Europe and Africa, driven by their offerings in the low-end and mid-range segments.
Anthony Scarsella, research director for client devices at IDC, noted, “Despite growth in several regions, there has been a decrease in demand for foldable smartphones in the market, despite increased promotional activities and marketing efforts.”
Smartphone makers have begun reallocating research & design investments away from foldable smartphones due to stagnant consumer interest, as highlighted by Scarsella.
(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)
