In a time when RAM costs are on the rise and many brands are facing challenges in sustaining their growth, Apple has demonstrated its exceptional performance in the market. According to the most recent report from Counterpoint Research, Apple has secured the top spot in the market for the first time in a first quarter. The report attributes the company’s growth to strong demand for the iPhone 17. Apple experienced a 5 percent year-over-year increase in global smartphone shipments during the first quarter of this year, while some competitors saw a decline of 19 percent in their shipments over the same period.
During this period, Apple attained a 21 percent market share. The report highlights that while other brands encountered difficulties due to escalating memory prices, Apple remained unaffected due to its premium positioning and efficient supply chain. Apple’s growth can also be attributed to its aggressive trade-in programs and the strong loyalty of its ecosystem. Additionally, the company witnessed substantial growth outside its domestic market in the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like China, India, and Japan.
Performance of other brands:
Besides Apple, non-Chinese brands like Google and Nothing experienced the highest year-over-year growth at 14 percent and 25 percent, respectively. However, their market presence remains modest as they are not among the top five players. Samsung secured the second position with a 20 percent market share, followed by Xiaomi in third place with 12 percent. Samsung and Xiaomi saw their market shares drop by 6 percent and 19 percent, respectively.
Oppo and Vivo held the fourth and fifth spots with market shares of 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Their market shares decreased by 4 percent and 2 percent.
The industry is currently grappling with challenges due to the surging demand for DRAM and NAND memory for AI servers, leading to an increase in RAM prices. Consequently, many companies have had to raise the prices of their devices.
In other news, reports suggest that Apple is not planning to release the iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, the company is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone in September, postponing the standard iPhone 18 launch to spring 2027, where it will debut alongside the iPhone 18e. According to a Weibo leaker known as Fixed Focus Digital, the standard iPhone 18 is not anticipated to undergo significant changes in its external design, except for minor adjustments to its dimensions.