Global Smartphone Shipments Surged 1.5 Percent YoY in Q1 2025; Samsung, Apple Retain Top Positions: IDC

The international smartphone market has began on a optimistic word in 2025, in accordance with a preliminary report by market analysis agency International Data Corporation (IDC). Worldwide smartphone shipments grew 1.5 % year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million models within the first quarter of 2025. Samsung remained the market chief, adopted by Apple. The iPhone maker clocked one of the best Q1 ever when it comes to models shipped, however its efficiency in China declined. Meanwhile, Chinese smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have been within the high 5.

As per IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report, international smartphone shipments surged 1.5 % YoY to 304.9 million models in Q1 2025. This enhance highlights strategic manufacturing changes made by smartphone corporations in response to anticipated coverage adjustments amid ongoing US-China commerce tensions.

Samsung, Apple Still Lead the Pack

Following previous developments, Samsung regained its market management with a 19.9 % market share and shipped 60.6 million models. The success of the Galaxy S25 sequence and the newest Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 fashions is alleged to have pushed Samsung’s development.

The report states that Apple recorded its greatest Q1 ever when it comes to models shipped (57.9 million models). It grabbed 19.0 % market share, registering a development of 10.0 % in comparison with the identical interval final yr. Apple’s efficiency in China declined as iPhone Pro fashions have been exempt from the Chinese authorities subsidy program.

Xiaomi got here in third place with 13.7 % market share, registering 2.5 YoY development in shipments. The model shipped 41.8 million models and recorded development in China because the subsidies from the Chinese authorities positively impacted the sale of Xiaomi’s mid-range units.

Oppo retained fourth place with 7.7 % market share, however the firm’s shipments declined within the worldwide markets. Vivo got here at fifth place with 7.4 % market share and 6.3 YoY development pushed by the sturdy demand for low-end units and the V sequence.

IDC says the earlier quarter witnessed development globally amongst main smartphone distributors, particularly Chinese manufacturers of their home market. This uptick was backed by authorities subsidies launched final yr and prolonged to smartphones in January 2025. The subsidy programme focuses on units priced underneath CNY 6,000 (roughly Rs. 70,000), which covers nearly all of choices from Chinese producers.

Dependence on China’s provide chain stays sturdy regardless of continued tariff fluctuations, complicating long-term planning and forcing many corporations to make vital choices underneath vital uncertainty, opined Ryan Reith, Group Vice President, worldwide system trackers, IDC. “Right now, the main target for US smartphone manufacturers needs to be benefiting from the exemption by constructing and transport as a lot as doable. The different aspect of this equation is the likelihood that financial uncertainty could dampen client demand within the coming months.”