There’s something special happening in the smartphone world right now. If you’ve noticed more people showing off their shiny new iPhone 17, you’re seeing a major global shift in motion. Apple is on the verge of becoming the world’s No. 1 smartphone maker, pushing ahead of Samsung for the first time in more than ten years.
For millions of its fans, it feels like the brand is finally reclaiming its crown.
A Dream Start: iPhone 17 Series Sparks Global Frenzy
The turning point arrived with the launch of the iPhone 17 series. Released in September, the lineup became an instant hit in both the United States and China, Apple’s two most competitive and crucial markets. Sales recorded double-digit growth, proving that Apple still knows how to create magic.
Among the four models, the spotlight fell firmly on the iPhone 17 Air, the world’s thinnest iPhone. From early morning queues to viral social media videos, the excitement brought back the classic iPhone launch energy the world once knew.
This fresh wave of upgrades shows that people didn’t just want a new phone, they wanted this phone.
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Why It Is Growing Faster Than Samsung
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s momentum is so strong that iPhone shipments are expected to jump 10% in 2025, while Samsung’s growth is expected to stay at 4.6%.
What’s powering its rise
- The Global Upgrade Cycle Has Arrived: Millions who bought smartphones during the pandemic are now ready for an upgrade and Apple is the biggest winner of this moment.
- Secondhand iPhones Are Fueling the Ecosystem: A massive 358 million pre-owned iPhones were sold from 2023 to mid-2025. These users are highly likely to upgrade to a brand-new Apple device next.
- Calmer US-China Trade Relations: Reduced tension between the two countries has improved the position of the iPhone maker in China and boosted overall sales.
- A Weaker Dollar Helps Emerging Markets: A softer dollar has made iPhones more affordable globally, especially in fast-growing markets.
Counterpoint’s analyst Yang Wang summed it up well: “The replacement cycle has reached its inflection point, and Apple is perfectly positioned to take advantage.”
The iPhone Maker Poised To Take The No. 1 Spot In 2025
If forecasts hold, Apple will capture a 19.4% global market share in 2025, making it the world’s leading smartphone maker for the first time since 2011. This comeback isn’t just impressive, it’s historic.
What Next
The iPhone maker isn’t slowing down, not even slightly. Over the next few years, the company is preparing major launches that could reshape the smartphone industry again.
2026: First Foldable iPhone
One of the most anticipated devices in its history.
iPhone 17e: A More Affordable iPhone for New Users
Designed to bring even more people into the Apple ecosystem.
2027: A Full iPhone Design Overhaul
A major redesign is already in the works, according to Bloomberg.
Analysts predict that it will remain the No. 1 smartphone brand until at least 2029, a long streak of dominance powered by innovation and loyal customers. Meanwhile, Apple expects its holiday quarter revenue to approach $140 billion, showing just how strong demand is worldwide.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for news and informational purposes. All content is derived from publicly available reports and research. It does not include independent verification or original reporting.
Paban Kotoky, an MCA by qualification, serves as the Technical Head & Contributor at NestOfNews.com. He manages the overall technical operations of the platform and also contributes regularly, sharing his expertise on technology and emerging digital trends.