The worldwide smartphone market has began on a constructive word in 2025, in response to a preliminary report by market analysis agency Worldwide Knowledge Company (IDC). Worldwide smartphone shipments grew 1.5 % year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million items within the first quarter of 2025. Samsung remained the market chief, adopted by Apple. The iPhone maker clocked the very best Q1 ever when it comes to items shipped, however its efficiency in China declined. In the meantime, Chinese language smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have been within the high 5.
As per IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Cell Telephone Tracker report, world smartphone shipments surged 1.5 % YoY to 304.9 million items in Q1 2025. This enhance highlights strategic manufacturing changes made by smartphone corporations in response to anticipated coverage modifications amid ongoing US-China commerce tensions.
Samsung, Apple Nonetheless Lead the Pack
Following previous traits, Samsung regained its market management with a 19.9 % market share and shipped 60.6 million items. The success of the Galaxy S25 collection and the most recent Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 fashions is alleged to have pushed Samsung’s progress.
The report states that Apple recorded its finest Q1 ever when it comes to items shipped (57.9 million items). It grabbed 19.0 % market share, registering a progress of 10.0 % in comparison with the identical interval final yr. Apple’s efficiency in China declined as iPhone Professional fashions have been exempt from the Chinese language authorities subsidy program.
Xiaomi got here in third place with 13.7 % market share, registering 2.5 YoY progress in shipments. The model shipped 41.8 million items and recorded progress in China because the subsidies from the Chinese language 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 progress pushed by the sturdy demand for low-end units and the V collection.
IDC says the earlier quarter witnessed progress globally amongst main smartphone distributors, particularly Chinese language 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 the vast majority of choices from Chinese language producers.
Dependence on China’s provide chain stays sturdy regardless of continued tariff fluctuations, complicating long-term planning and forcing many corporations to make essential selections underneath important uncertainty, opined Ryan Reith, Group Vice President, worldwide gadget trackers, IDC. “Proper now, the main focus for US smartphone manufacturers needs to be making the most of the exemption by constructing and delivery as a lot as doable. The opposite facet of this equation is the chance that financial uncertainty could dampen client demand within the coming months.”
