Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Apple appears to be moving toward a major comeback in the global smartphone business, with new research suggesting that it may soon overtake Samsung after more than a decade. A report from Counterpoint Research says the strong demand for the latest iPhone 17 series has pushed Apple toward the number one spot for the first time since 2011. Launched in September, the series has received an exceptional response across the world’s two most influential markets, the United States and China.
Strong launch boosts Apple momentum
The research notes that the iPhone 17 series entered markets at a time when buyers were ready for an upgrade. This created a powerful push in early sales. Apple also benefited from improved US-China trade conditions and a slightly weaker dollar, which made iPhones more attractive to buyers in large emerging and developed markets. The company’s growth, driven mainly by premium models, has exceeded early expectations.
Forecast shows iPhone sales rising higher
Counterpoint estimates that Apple’s iPhone sales will rise by around 10 percent in 2025, far ahead of Samsung’s projected growth of 4.6 percent. With this jump, Apple is expected to secure the top spot globally in 2025, replacing Samsung after fourteen years. Analysts predict that the overall global smartphone market will grow 3.3 percent next year, with Apple’s share reaching nearly 19.4 percent.
What is driving the big shift
A major reason behind this momentum is the rapid replacement cycle of consumers who bought phones during the Covid years. Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang says that people who purchased smartphones between 2020 and 2021 are now upgrading, and many are choosing Apple. The trend is also shaped by the large resale market for older iPhones.
A few major factors behind Apple’s rise include:
- Millions of Covid-era smartphone buyers are ready to switch devices
- Strong response to the iPhone 17 series in China and the US
- Stable trade climate helping premium tech products grow
- A large base of second-hand iPhone owners planning to upgrade
- Apple’s consistent brand pull in premium and mid-premium segments
Future devices expected to expand Apple lead
The report also says Apple may strengthen its lead even more in the coming years. The company is preparing a range of new devices, including a foldable iPhone expected in 2026 and a more affordable model called the iPhone 17e. Major design changes are likely in 2027, which could attract more buyers, especially those holding on to older iPhones. Counterpoint believes these new models will help Apple retain the global number one position until at least 2029.
The story also highlights Apple’s recent statement that its holiday-quarter sales are growing at a much faster pace than the company expected. Revenue for the upcoming quarter may touch the historic level of 140 billion dollars, driven by stronger festive-season orders in multiple regions.
Key pointers from the final projections
- Apple may remain the world’s top smartphone maker until at least 2029
- New models like foldable iPhone and iPhone 17e expected to push sales further
- Holiday quarter revenue expected to reach around 140 billion dollars
