iPhone 17 Sales Surge Poised to Push Apple Past Samsung as Top Global Smartphone Maker
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is on track to deliver one of the strongest launches in the company’s history — and it may be enough to dethrone Samsung as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer for the first time in 14 years. According to new estimates from Counterpoint Research, Apple could surpass Samsung in global shipments by the end of the year.
The research firm projects that Apple will ship 243 million iPhones in 2025, edging out Samsung’s estimated 235 million shipments. This would give Apple a 19.4% global market share, placing it just ahead of Samsung after more than a decade of trailing the Korean manufacturer.
iPhone 17 Launch Outperforms Previous Generations
Counterpoint reports that the newly launched iPhone 17 series sold 12% more units in its first four weeks than last year’s iPhone 16 lineup. Analysts credit the strong performance to improved demand and a “lower-than-expected” impact from recently introduced tariffs.
Despite speculation about modest interest in the iPhone Air and uncertainty surrounding Apple’s AI roadmap, the broader iPhone 17 portfolio has outperformed market expectations.
A Long-Awaited Shift in the Smartphone Leaderboard
Industry analysts have disagreed in recent years over whether Apple or Samsung held the top spot during certain quarters, but by Counterpoint’s full-year evaluation, 2025 would mark the first time Apple surpasses Samsung in annual phone shipments since 2010.
The shift highlights the strength of Apple’s brand loyalty and continued demand for premium devices even as global smartphone sales face economic pressure.
What’s Next: Cheaper Models and Apple’s First Foldable
Apple’s momentum may continue into 2026. The company is expected to launch a more affordable iPhone 17e model in the spring — a move that could attract mid-range buyers Apple historically hasn’t captured.
Additionally, the tech giant is reportedly preparing to finally unveil its first foldable iPhone, a product long rumored and seen as crucial for competing with Samsung’s dominance in the foldable category.
With early demand for the iPhone 17 lineup accelerating and Apple expanding into new device tiers, 2025 could become one of the most pivotal years for the company’s mobile dominance.
