Apple surpasses Samsung in annual smartphone shipments for the first time
- Apple ranked first in annual smartphone shipments for the first time ever during 2023
- Apple shipped 234.6 million devices, surpassing Samsung’s 226.6 million shipments
- Apple’s growth came during a tough year for the overall smartphone market, with industry shipments dropping 3.2%
- Apple saw a 3.7% year-over-year growth and was the only top four phone maker to increase shipments
- In the calendar fourth quarter, Apple led the market with 80.5 million units shipped
- Apple’s success is attributed to the increasing trend of premium devices and aggressive trade-in offers
Apple Inc. has achieved a significant milestone in the smartphone market. According to market researcher IDC, Apple ranked first in annual smartphone shipments for the first time ever during 2023. The company shipped 234.6 million devices, surpassing Samsung’s 226.6 million shipments. This marks the first time Apple has held the top spot, and the first time since 2010 that a company other than Samsung has occupied the position. Apple’s success comes amidst a challenging year for the overall smartphone market, which saw a 3.2% drop in industry shipments. However, Apple managed to achieve a 3.7% year-over-year growth, making it the only one of the top four phone makers to increase shipments. In the calendar fourth quarter, Apple led the market with 80.5 million units shipped. IDC research director Nabila Popal attributes Apple’s success to the increasing trend of premium devices, which now represent over 20% of the market. This growth is fueled by aggressive trade-in offers and interest-free financing plans. Despite concerns about competition from Chinese manufacturers, Apple maintains a strong position in the smartphone market. Apple’s achievement in becoming the top smartphone vendor in 2023 is a testament to its resilience and ongoing success.
Public Companies: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Samsung Electronics Co. (005930), Huawei Technologies Co. (undefined)
Private Companies: undefined, undefined
Key People: Nabila Popal (IDC research director)
Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information from market researcher IDC about Apple becoming the largest smartphone vendor by shipments in 2023. It also mentions the overall smartphone market’s decline and Apple’s growth in shipments. The article includes quotes from IDC’s research director. However, it lacks specific details about the methodology used by IDC and does not provide any counterarguments or alternative perspectives.
Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about Apple becoming the largest smartphone vendor in 2023 according to IDC data. It includes data on shipments and market growth. However, there is some filler content and repetition of information, such as mentioning Apple’s stock price and concerns about competition from Huawei. Overall, the article stays on topic and provides evidence to support its claims.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The news article pertains to the financial performance and market position of Apple Inc. and its competitors in the smartphone industry.
Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article discusses the market performance and rankings of smartphone vendors, specifically highlighting Apple’s achievement of becoming the largest smartphone vendor by shipments in 2023. While there is no mention of any extreme events or financial crises, the information provided is relevant to investors and those interested in the financial performance of Apple and the smartphone market.
www.marketwatch.com 
