Global Smartphone Market Snaps Back with 4% Q4 Growth
An Omdia report shows Apple extending its market leadership for a third straight year, signaling a rebound for the consumer electronics sector after a period of tepid sales.
The global smartphone market showed definitive signs of a rebound in the fourth quarter of 2025, with shipments growing 4% year-over-year, according to a new report from Omdia. The growth provides a much-needed boost of confidence for the consumer technology sector, with Apple Inc. (AAPL) solidifying its position as the world's top smartphone vendor for the third consecutive year.
The positive fourth-quarter results cap a year of modest recovery, with full-year 2025 shipments growing approximately 2%, marking the second straight year of gains. This steady momentum suggests the industry is emerging from a protracted slump characterized by longer replacement cycles and macroeconomic headwinds.
Apple was the clear beneficiary of a flight to premium devices, capturing roughly a quarter of the global market in the fourth quarter. The strong performance was largely attributed to sustained demand for its flagship iPhone models. The tech giant, which boasts a market capitalization of approximately $3.85 trillion, has effectively leveraged its ecosystem and brand loyalty to navigate market softness better than many competitors. The results come as Apple's stock trades near the top of its 52-week range.
While Apple extended its lead, Samsung maintained a solid second-place position, commanding an estimated 17-18% market share. The South Korean electronics giant saw success with its strategy of pushing its foldable devices in the premium segment while also growing its share in the sub-$300 category with its Galaxy A-series, according to market analysis. Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi rounded out the top three, holding its ground with approximately 11% of global shipments, underscoring the intense competition in the Android market.
Analysts note that the recovery is being driven by several factors, including a maturing 5G market that is prompting upgrades and aggressive financing offers from carriers. Looking ahead, the industry is betting on the integration of on-device artificial intelligence to catalyze the next major upgrade cycle. As device-makers embed more powerful AI capabilities, from enhanced photography to real-time language translation, they hope to provide a compelling reason for consumers to invest in new hardware. The health of the smartphone market is a critical barometer for dozens of component suppliers, and this recent return to growth signals a positive outlook for the broader technology hardware sector moving into 2026.