Apple now has the lion’s share of the worldwide smartphone market, knocking Samsung off the highest spot for the primary time in 12 years.

The American cellphone big accounted for greater than a fifth of telephones shipped final yr, based on information from the Worldwide Information Company (IDC).

Samsung took 19.4% of the market share with Chinese language phonemakers Xiaomi, OPPO and Transsion following behind.

Smartphone gross sales have been faltering as many individuals upgraded within the pandemic.

The IDC experiences that just about 1.2 billion smartphones have been offered final yr – a drop of greater than 3% on the earlier yr. It’s the lowest quantity offered in a decade, with many customers tightening their purse strings within the face of financial challenges and excessive rates of interest. Consultants predict the market will recuperate this yr.

Nonetheless, the IDC stated Apple – which offered greater than 234 million telephones final yr – is “the most important winner”.

“Not solely is Apple the one participant within the High 3 to point out constructive progress yearly, but additionally luggage the number one spot yearly for the primary time ever,” stated the IDC’s Nabila Popal.

“All this regardless of going through elevated regulatory challenges and renewed competitors from Huawei in China, its largest market.”

Huawei has just lately made strides in making its personal chips, after being banned from shopping for chips that have been made utilizing US know-how over claims the corporate poses a nationwide safety threat to Washington.

Gives to commerce in outdated fashions in addition to interest-free financing plans are additionally driving demand for premium units like Apple.

It’s disappointing information for Samsung which – till now – had the highest spot because the world’s largest maker of reminiscence chips, smartphones and televisions.

Lately, the South Korean electronics big warned its income would drop greater than anticipated as world demand for shopper electronics stays weak.

It’s also going through competitors from cheaper Android fashions together with Transsion and Xiaomi that are getting a lift from each price-savvy customers and rising markets.

The IDC additionally stated the smartphone market is getting into a “very fascinating time”, with a rising variety of Android-providers splintering the market and clients more and more prioritising foldable telephones and AI capabilities.