Global smartphone market grows 2.6% in Q3; Samsung, Apple take top spots

Global smartphone shipments rose 2.6% YoY in Q3 2025 to 322.7 million units, according to preliminary data from IDC [https://my.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS53868725], as demand for premium and AI-enabled devices boosted upgrades.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AAPL#hasComeFromMpArticle=false#source=section%3Amain_content%7Cbutton%3Abody_link%7Cfirst_level_url%3Anews]) had its strongest July quarter ever, fueled by robust pre-orders for the iPhone 17. Samsung (OTCPK:SSNLF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SSNLF#hasComeFromMpArticle=false#source=section%3Amain_content%7Cbutton%3Abody_link%7Cfirst_level_url%3Anews]) also posted record growth for the quarter, led by its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7.

Vendors benefited from aggressive trade-in programs, financing options, and new form factors, while affordable AI phones gained traction in lower price segments.

Outside the top two, Xiaomi (OTCPK:XIACF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/XIACF#hasComeFromMpArticle=false#source=section%3Amain_content%7Cbutton%3Abody_link%7Cfirst_level_url%3Anews]), Transsion, and vivo posted gains driven by momentum in emerging markets and demand for affordable, AI-capable devices.

TOP 5 SMARTPHONE VENDORS – Q3 2025 (WORLDWIDE)

_(Shipments in millions of units)_

* Samsung – 61.4 million units (+6.3% YoY)
* Apple – 58.6 million units (+2.9% YoY)
* Xiaomi – 43.5 million units (+1.8% YoY)
* Transsion – 29.2 million units (+13.6% YoY)
* vivo – 28.8 million units (+6.9% YoY)

IDC expects continued momentum in Q4 2025, supported by AI innovation, strong product lineups, and competitive pricing.

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