- Samsung leads Q1 global smartphone shipments with 60.5M units
- Market shows only 0.2% growth as industry braces for volatile months ahead
What happened: Samsung leads Q1 2025 shipments
According to Canalys, Samsung shipped 60.5M smartphones globally in Q1 2025, reclaiming the top spot ahead of Apple (55M units) and Xiaomi (41.8M). Its performance was driven by new flagship devices and affordable A-series models, which appealed to premium and budget segments.
Apple saw gains in the Asia-Pacific and U.S. markets. But overall, the global smartphone market was flat. Total shipments rose just 0.2% year-on-year to 296.9M units. It marked the third quarter of weak growth, as the post-pandemic upgrade cycle tapered off and brands focused on clearing inventory.
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Why it’s important
Smartphone makers have yet to cut their 2025 shipment targets, despite a slow Q1. Canalys expects a possible rebound later this year. But analysts warn that rising prices, weaker demand, and economic uncertainty could hold the market back. Companies may need to rethink pricing, bundling, and product strategy in response.
Apple is already adjusting. The company plans to source all iPhones for the U.S. from India by 2026, according to Bloomberg. It’s speeding up this shift to avoid U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electronics. Other brands may follow, as supply chains move away from China and toward more stable, cost-effective regions.
