The global smartphone market has officially turned a corner, and Apple is leading the charge. According to the latest data from Counterpoint Research, global smartphone shipments grew by 2% year-over-year in 2025. While the overall market growth was modest, Apple reclaimed its spot as the undisputed market leader with record-breaking results. Apple finished the year with a commanding 20% share of the global market, outperforming its closest competitors. Most impressively, the company saw a 10% year-over-year growth in shipments, which was the highest growth rate among the top five global smartphone brands.
A significant driver of this success was the perfect storm of a massive upgrade cycle. Many users who purchased devices during the COVID-19 pandemic reached an inflection point in 2025, finally trading in their older models for the latest hardware. This wave of replacements, combined with a stronger product mix of both flagship and entry-level premium models, helped Apple maintain its momentum throughout the year.
The fourth quarter of 2025 was particularly historic for the Cupertino-based company. Following the successful launch of the iPhone 17 series, Apple accounted for a staggering 25% of all global shipments during the holiday quarter. This represents the company’s highest-ever market share for a single quarter, fueled by high demand for the new lineup and the continued popularity of the iPhone 16 in markets like Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead to 2026, the industry may face some headwinds due to rising component costs and shortages in memory chips. However, market analysts expect Apple to remain resilient thanks to its robust supply chain and dominant position in the premium segment.
What do you think about Apple’s record-breaking year? Are you planning to be part of the next upgrade cycle, or are you holding onto your current iPhone a bit longer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
