Apple, buoyed by the success of the iPhone 17 series, achieved its highest-ever monthly market share in the global smartphone market.
According to market researcher Counterpoint Research on the 1st, Apple's global smartphone sales in Oct. rose 12% from a year earlier. Its market share by sales volume was 24.2%, a record high on a monthly basis.
Counterpoint Research said, "The success of the iPhone 17 series became the key driver of growth," and analyzed, "As replacement demand among buyers from the COVID-19 period accelerated in major markets such as the United States, China, and Western Europe, sales increased significantly." A broad product lineup, including the budget model "iPhone 16e," and expansion into emerging markets also contributed to the improved results.
In particular, the iPhone 17 series surpassed the initial sales of its predecessor, the iPhone 16 series, during the first six weeks after launch. Based on the weekly tracker, sales increased in all major markets, including the United States (11%), China (47%), and Japan (8%). In China, there was a significant effect from the shortened replacement cycle among buyers from the COVID-19 period and the earlier timing of Singles' Day (Nov. 11) promotions.
Counterpoint Research said, "Apple is highly likely to finish 2025 very strong," and predicted, "It will set a new record high for fourth-quarter sales volume this year and reclaim the No. 1 spot in the global smartphone market for the first time since 2011." It added, "Apple will maintain the global No. 1 position through 2029."