Apple receives positive news.

Amidst tariff uncertainty, Apple secured the number one position in the global smartphone market share thanks to the iPhone 16e and its success in emerging markets.

iPhone 16e. Photo: The Verge .

According to data from Counterpoint Research , Apple led the global smartphone market in the first quarter. This was due to strong demand in several countries, with sales boosted by the iPhone 16e.

In the first quarter, Apple's global market share reached 19%, with sales increasing 4% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Samsung ranked second with an 18% market share.

Data shows double-digit iPhone growth in Japan, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This contrasts with China, where Apple is struggling due to competition from local rivals.

The launch of the iPhone 16e also gave Apple an advantage. By unveiling the iPhone in the first quarter, Apple is directly competing with Samsung and Xiaomi, companies that regularly launch Android flagships at the beginning of the year.

Samsung got off to a slow start with the Galaxy S25 launching later than usual. However, the company's sales in March increased by double digits thanks to the S25 and several A-series models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, in particular, saw an increase in market share.

Ranked third with a 14% market share, Xiaomi recorded significant sales growth in China, where the company is expanding its brand into the premium segment. The next positions in the top 5 are held by Vivo and Oppo, respectively.

According to Counterpoint Research , the global smartphone market grew 3% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, IDC estimates a production increase of approximately 1.5%, with Apple ramping up shipments to avoid tariffs.

US President Donald Trump's tariff and retaliatory policies, along with escalating trade tensions, have caused turmoil in financial markets, worsened economic prospects, and increased inflation. Many sources indicate that Apple has chartered flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones, equivalent to 1.5 million units, from India to the US to avoid tariffs.

Last weekend, the Trump administration decided to exempt smartphones, computers, and some household appliances from tariffs. This caused technology stocks to surge on April 14th, with Apple recording a 3.5% increase.

"The U.S. government's exemption of import tariffs on smartphones from China is a temporary solution for American companies, but they still depend on supply chains in China amid fluctuating tariffs," said Ryan Reith, vice president of Worldwide Device Trackers at IDC .

According to Reith, American smartphone manufacturers should focus their tax-free period on building and shipping as much inventory as possible.

Market share of leading smartphone brands in Q1 2025. Image: Counterpoint Research .

Commenting on the overall market, analyst Ankit Malhotra from Counterpoint Research said that smartphone sales in January saw strong growth, particularly in China thanks to government subsidies.

According to analysts, smartphone sales charts may remain stable because it is an essential product. However, economic instability could cause consumers to hesitate and postpone purchases, negatively impacting the market.

“Market momentum continues to be driven by the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16e, but this quickly changed as economic uncertainty and trade war risks increased, particularly towards the end of the quarter. We continue to analyze policy shifts, forecasting a decline in the smartphone market in 2025 despite Q1 growth,” Reith concluded.

Source: https://znews.vn/apple-nhan-tin-tich-cuc-post1545898.html