Thanks to the introduction of new iPhone models, Apple traditionally always scores in the fourth quarter. Whether it can maintain this position in 2024 is doubtful.

Two research firms, Canalys and IDC, reported that Apple shipped more smartphones worldwide than Samsung for the first time. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Apple shipped 234.6 million devices, compared to Samsung’s 226.6 million. Xiaomi, Oppo and Transion complete the top five.

IDC emphasizes that these are conditional figures and that they are still waiting for final details. Now that Canalys also reported the same thing, the historic moment seems to have arrived.

What is striking is that Apple was the only one able to record year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter. It is largely thanks to Samsung’s sharp decline that Apple takes the top position. In addition, more and more premium smartphones are being sold, accounting for a market share of 20 percent. Apple has a dominant presence in this segment.

The new number one position is also a coincidence. Apple always brings its new iPhone models onto the market in the fourth quarter, which leads to a significant peak in device shipments. Additionally, IDC reports that Samsung is feeling increasing competition from other Android manufacturers worldwide such as Huawei, OnePlus, Honor and Google.

Samsung is not used to giving up its leadership position. IDC reports that Samsung has been in second place since 2010. Back then, Apple wasn’t even in the top five and Nokia was at the top of the list. LG, ZTE and Research in Motion completed the top 5 13 years ago. Those days are long gone…