Apple Inc. captured the top position in global smartphone sales during the first quarter of 2025, driven by the successful launch of the iPhone 16e and strong demand in key markets such as Japan and India, according to new data released by Counterpoint Research on Monday.
Despite the growth early in the year, Counterpoint warned that the global smartphone market is likely to face a decline in 2025, citing economic uncertainty and the impact of tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The think tank noted that Trump’s tariffs, along with the broader escalation of global trade tensions, have dampened the economic outlook and raised the specter of stronger inflation.
This volatile macroeconomic environment could prompt consumers to delay purchases of mobile phones, unsettling supply chains and amplifying trade risks across the industry.
“The tariff announcement did not lead to a major demand increase because of the uncertainty around tariffs and policy. Since tariffs were announced in April, it did not impact iPhone demand in Q1 2025,” said Ankit Malhotra, senior research analyst at Counterpoint.
According to the report, the global smartphone market grew by 3% in the first quarter. However, the firm reiterated that the overall market is expected to contract by the end of the year as trade barriers and economic headwinds weigh on consumer sentiment.
Following Apple, Samsung secured the second position with an 18% market share. Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO also performed strongly, rounding out the top five vendors globally.
