Third Quarter Smartphone Shipments Surge by 5% Globally
According to a recent report from Canalys, global smartphone shipments experienced a notable 5% year-over-year growth in the third quarter of 2024. This uptick marks the most robust performance for this quarter since 2021, primarily attributed to refreshed product lines from leading smartphone manufacturers.
Leading Brands in Smartphone Shipments
Samsung topped the chart with an impressive 57.5 million units shipped, closely followed by Apple, which recorded 54.5 million shipments. Xiaomi secured the third position with 42.8 million units, while OPPO and vivo rounded out the top five, shipping 28.6 million and 27.2 million devices, respectively.
Key Factors Behind the Growth
Canalys highlighted that Samsung’s performance was bolstered by a simplified entry-level product range. Meanwhile, Apple’s shipment increase was significantly powered by the successful launch of the iPhone 16, particularly in emerging markets. The narrowing hardware differences between base and Pro models made the new release more appealing to consumers.
Detailed Shipment Statistics
| Vendor | Q3 2024 Shipments (million) | Market Share (%) | Q3 2023 Shipments (million) | Market Share (%) | Annual Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 57.5 | 19 | 58.6 | 20 | -2 |
| Apple | 54.5 | 18 | 50.0 | 17 | 9 |
| Xiaomi | 42.8 | 14 | 41.5 | 14 | 3 |
| OPPO | 28.6 | 9 | 26.4 | 9 | 8 |
| vivo | 27.2 | 9 | 22.0 | 7 | 24 |
| Others | 99.4 | 32 | 95.9 | 33 | 4 |
| Total | 309.9 | 100 | 294.6 | 100 | 5 |
Expert Insights on Apple’s Performance
Canalys Analyst, Le Xuan Chiew, commented on Apple’s impressive Q3 results: “Apple’s record shipment numbers were a result of well-managed channel and supply chain strategies. Following key announcements at WWDC, there has been a surge of consumers upgrading from older iPhone models to newer versions. The company’s efforts in diversifying iPhone production, particularly in India, have led to reduced lead times, allowing for efficient pre-order fulfilment and heightened local demand through competitive pricing.”Chiew further emphasized that Apple’s production of previous-generation models in India has enhanced its shipments in the US and Europe, allowing it to recapture market share in the competitive mid-range segment. However, the analyst cautioned that geopolitical challenges and delays in Apple Intelligence deployment could adversely impact performance in the upcoming festive quarter and into 2025.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Political Climate
As the 2024 US elections approach, the potential re-election of Donald Trump and his pro-tariff policies raise questions about the future for Chinese smartphone brands. The outcome could significantly influence market dynamics and strategies adopted by these manufacturers.
This article was inspired by ideas and visuals from Neowin.net.
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