Samsung overtakes Apple in weak smartphone quarter

Samsung has once again become the world's largest supplier of smartphones in the first quarter of 2024, overtaking Apple in terms of shipment volume. This occurred during a period when the global smartphone market experienced a significant downturn, with overall sales dropping by 8.5 percent year-over-year, according to IDC.

Samsung's shipments saw a slight decrease of 0.4 percent to 60.1 million units, resulting in a market share of 20.8 percent. Apple experienced a more substantial decline of 9.6 percent, shipping 50.1 million units, which led to a market share of 17.3 percent.

IDC attributed Apple's weaker performance partly to a normalization after a strong prior quarter and challenges in the Chinese market. Other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Transsion, and OPPO, saw their market shares increase.

Industry analysts anticipate a recovery in consumer demand for smartphones in the latter half of 2024, driven by new product launches and seasonal marketing campaigns.