Global Smartphone Shipments Reach 304.9 Million in Q1, Apple Posts Strongest Growth

According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone shipments grew 1.5% year-over-year in Q1 2025, reaching a total of 304.9 million units.

IDC noted that top global smartphone vendors, particularly Chinese domestic brands, saw shipment increases during the quarter. This growth was largely driven by a government-backed consumer subsidy program introduced last year and expanded to include smartphones in January 2025. The program targets products priced under 6,000 RMB (approximately $820 USD), which accounts for the majority of Chinese manufacturers’ sales.

In terms of market share, Samsung reclaimed its position as the global leader with a 19.9% share. This was fueled by the continued success of its premium Galaxy S25 line and mid-range Galaxy A series, particularly the new A36 and A56 models, which offer AI capabilities at more affordable prices.

Apple posted the strongest year-over-year growth, with a 10% increase in Q1 shipments. The surge was partly a strategic move to avoid new U.S. tariffs and partly an effort to build inventory in other regions amid fears of supply chain disruptions leading to shortages and price hikes. However, Apple's performance in China declined, as its iPhone Pro models are excluded from the government’s subsidy program.

Xiaomi’s performance was mainly boosted by domestic growth in China, thanks to the subsidy’s positive impact on mid-range device sales.

Although OPPO experienced a decline in shipments due to weak performance in international markets, it managed to reclaim the fourth spot globally. Growth in the Chinese market wasn’t enough to fully offset international losses.

vivo reported a 6.3% year-over-year increase, supported by strong domestic sales driven by the subsidy program and solid growth in international markets. Its low-end models and V-series performed particularly well.

Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of IDC’s Devices division, commented:

“Faced with escalating geopolitical uncertainty and the threat of steep U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, vendors took a strategic approach in Q1 2025 by accelerating production schedules and significantly front-loading shipments—especially to key markets like the U.S. This proactive supply push, intended to mitigate potential cost increases and disruptions, drove shipment volumes higher than what would have been expected based solely on underlying consumer demand.”