Apple is finally on track to reclaim the number one spot in the global smartphone market. According to new data from Counterpoint Research (via Bloomberg), Apple becomes world’s top phone maker in 2025 thanks to the strong performance of the iPhone 17 series and a massive wave of users upgrading their old devices.
It’s the first time since 2011 that Apple is expected to overtake Samsung, and the momentum behind the brand is stronger than anything we’ve seen in years.
iPhone 17 Demand Is Driving Apple’s Comeback
The iPhone 17 lineup is the biggest reason Apple becomes world’s top phone maker this year. Sales are up double digits in both the US and China, which are Apple’s most important markets. A huge number of users who bought phones during the Covid era are now upgrading, and Apple has landed right in that sweet spot.
Stronger demand in emerging markets is also helping due to a weaker dollar and cooling US China tensions.
Related: Apple Hits $4 Trillion Valuation After iPhone 17 Launch
Apple Will Finally Pass Samsung in 2025
Counterpoint expects iPhone shipments to rise by around 10 percent in 2025, while Samsung is expected to grow only 4.6 percent. Even though the global smartphone market is only projected to grow 3.3 percent, Apple becomes world’s top phone maker by securing an estimated 19.4 percent share.
It has taken more than a decade, but Apple is now perfectly positioned to break Samsung’s long-running streak.
Used iPhones Are Quietly Fueling New iPhone Sales
Another reason Apple becomes world’s top phone maker is the massive secondhand iPhone market. More than 358 million used iPhones were sold between 2023 and mid-2025. Most of these customers are entering or returning to the Apple ecosystem, and many are now ready to upgrade to a brand-new iPhone.
That creates a long pipeline of future buyers already locked into iOS.
Upcoming iPhones Will Push Apple Even Further Ahead
Even after 2025, the momentum continues. Analysts expect Apple to stay the number one seller through 2029 because of several upcoming models:
- A foldable iPhone launching in 2026
- A more affordable iPhone 17e
- A major iPhone design refresh planned for 2027
These releases could keep Apple ahead even if overall smartphone sales slow down.
Final Thoughts
Apple becomes world’s top phone maker in 2025 not because of a single hit product, but because everything lined up at once. The iPhone 17 series is performing better than expected, millions of older devices are due for replacement, and future models give Apple more momentum than any other brand.
If the projections hold, Apple is heading into a multi-year run at the top of the smartphone market.
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