Counterpoint Research: Apple (AAPL.US) dominance still ranked first in global smartphone sales in the first quarter

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on Monday, data from Counterpoint Research showed that thanks to the launch of the iPhone 16e and strong demand in Japan, India and other countries, Apple (AAPL.US) took the lead in global smartphone sales in the first quarter of this year.

Counterpoint anticipates a decline in the smartphone market this year due to the uncertain economic situation and tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Trump's erratic tariff policies and the escalation of global trade tensions have led to an increasingly bleak economic outlook and an increase in the possibility of increased inflation.

The report points out that an unstable macroeconomic environment may cause consumers to delay the purchase of mobile phones, disrupt the supply chain, and increase trade risks, thus having a negative impact on the market.

Ankit Malhotra, senior research analyst at Counterpoint, said: “According to our current estimates, tariff statements have not led to a significant increase in demand due to tariff and policy uncertainty. Since the tariffs were announced in April, there was no impact on iPhone demand in the first quarter of 2025.”

In the first quarter of 2025, the global smartphone market grew by 3%, but Counterpoint expects the overall market to decline this year.

Samsung followed Apple with an 18% market share. Xiaomi continued its sales growth momentum, with vivo ranked fourth and OPPO ranked fifth.