Global smartphone shipments grew 5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to a report by a research firm. Samsung maintained its position as the original equipment manufacturer with the highest percentage of units shipped, while Apple and Xiaomi maintained their rankings from last quarter. However, all three recorded a slight drop in market share. The analysis shows that Vivo also recorded a positive end to the quarter.

Global shipments of smartphones in the 3rd quarter of 2024

A report by analyst firm Canalys indicated that Samsung’s share of smartphone shipments in the third quarter of 2024 reached 18 percent, helping it reach the top position. The South Korean technology conglomerate lost 3% of market share compared to the same period last year. The same goes for Apple, which registered a 17 percent market share this quarter, compared to 18 percent in the same period last year. The iPhone maker ended the quarter with the second-highest shipments.

This is Apple’s third-highest quarterly volume to date, according to Canalys. Some factors contributing to the overall growth of the Cupertino-based tech giant include strong demand for the iPhone 15 series and earlier models. The analysis highlighted the market shift towards premium devices, especially in strong regions such as Europe and North America. There is speculation that Apple’s latest smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16 series, could not only help it achieve significant results in the fourth quarter of 2024, but also push that point into the first half (1H) of 2025.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi and Oppo ranked third and fourth on the list with 14 and 9 percent of the market, respectively. According to the analysis, the latter was helped by its strong performance in the Indian and Latin American markets. Vivo recorded double-digit shipment growth and rounded out the top five, finishing with a nine percent market share.

Canalys reports that while the overall market situation is improving, demand for devices remains weak. This is due to global challenges, including demand generation and regulatory hurdles.