Thanks to iPhone 16E: Apple according to analysts for the first time global smartphone market leader

Despite the relatively high price of at least 699 euros, the iPhone 16E is apparently a seller for Apple. This is shown by new figures from the Counterpoint Research market research institute for smartphone market shares worldwide. According to the company’s latest surveys, Apple made it in the first quarter of 2025, for the first time To become a worldwide smartphone market leader. The market share is 19 percent and has not even changed in the previous year comparison. But the previous worldwide market leader, Samsung, clearly loses – from 20 to 18 percent. With the units sold, it looks much better for Apple. According to Counterpoint Research, the group was able to sell 4 percent more quantities here, Samsung 5 percent less.

Market is growing, but now it will be unsure

Overall, the global smartphone market has grown slightly-3 percent. However, the dispute over the tariffs of the Trump administration causes uncertainties on how to proceed. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple managed to increase its sales in the first quarter, especially due to the iPhone 16E. Furthermore, Apple was particularly able to score in emerging markets – for example in India, but also through new price reductions in China that apparently worked well.

Counterpoint Research captures the so-called sell-through shape, i.e. the sale of the devices. In the other market share places in the first quarter, Xiaomi (14 percent), Vivo and Oppo (8 percent) and a large block landed from other manufacturers (33 percent in total) behind Apple and Samsung. In addition to Apple, Vivo and Xiaomi grew in device sales (plus 5 or 6 percent) and other manufacturers (plus 6 percent). Oppo recorded a small minus of 1 percent.

Europe and USA stagnate

Despite the challenges in its largest markets, Apple has taken the first position at the market share, Counterpoint continues. There was stagnation in the United States and Europe – in some cases the sales were also declining. Japan, India and the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia grew in double digits.

According to the market researchers, Samsung was once again a step forward in March. The S25 initially had a slow start. However, the sale of the ultra models is now growing and the cheaper A series also increased again. So it could be that Apple’s leadership is short -lived.