Apple Inc. experienced a decline in iPhone shipments by nearly 10% in the first quarter of the year, as reported by market tracker IDC. While Apple lost ground in the smartphone market, the global mobile industry saw a 7.8% increase in total shipments to 289.4 million handsets compared to the previous year. Samsung Electronics Co. reclaimed the top spot in the industry, with budget-focused brand Transsion experiencing an impressive 85% increase in shipments.
Despite Apple’s decrease in iPhone shipments, other competitors such as Samsung and Xiaomi Corp. saw improvements in their market positions. Samsung’s resurgence to the number one spot signals a shift in consumer preferences, while Xiaomi’s rebound helped close the gap on Apple’s second-place position. With the industry experiencing overall growth, it is clear that Apple will face increasing competition from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Transsion, as consumers seek a variety of options and features in their smartphones.