((Automated translation by Reuters, please see disclaimer https://bit.ly/rtrsauto))
(Addition of a graph after paragraph 4)
Smartphone deliveries from Apple AAPL.O and Samsung
005930.KS declined in the fourth quarter worldwide as they face intense competition from Chinese companies such as Xiaomi, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) on Monday.
The global smartphone market has rebounded strongly after two years of decline, with Chinese smartphone makers rapidly increasing their market share thanks to aggressive growth in low-end devices and a strong focus on the domestic market.
“While we remain optimistic that growth will continue in 2025, the threat of further increased tariffs from the new US administration has increased uncertainty in the sector,” said Nabila Popal, research director principal for global client devices at IDC.
Apple’s global shipments fell 4.1% to 76.9 million units in the fourth quarter, while Samsung’s shipments fell 2.7% to 51.7 million units, while that competition from Chinese companies such as Xiaomi
1810.HK, Oppo, and Honor has stepped up, IDC reported.
In 2024, the iPhone maker will dominate the global smartphone market with a share of 18.7%, followed by Samsung at 18% and Chinese company Xiaomi at 13.6%.
However, among the top five smartphone brands last year, Apple’s shipments declined by 0.9% and Samsung’s by 1.4%, while Xiaomi showed the fastest growth with an increase of 15.4% of deliveries.
Chinese cellphone makers shipped 56% of the world’s smartphones in the fourth quarter, the highest combined volume ever in a quarter, as they expanded their footprint in Europe and Africa, thanks to their entry and mid-range devices.
“Despite continued growth in several regions, we have seen a decline in demand for foldable phones in the market, despite increased promotions and marketing,” said Anthony Scarsella, research director for client devices, IDC.
Smartphone makers have begun to shift their research and design spending toward foldable smartphones as consumer interest remains stable, Scarsella added.
