Apple Tops Global Smartphone Market for First Time in a Q1

Apple ranked No. 1 globally in Q1 2026 smartphone shipments with a 21% share and 9% growth, narrowly beating Samsung.

Counterpoint Research said the overall market fell 3% as Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo trailed behind the top two.

Apple’s first Q1 lead was driven by strong iPhone 17 demand, better China sales, and tighter supply-chain management.

The result highlights how premium demand and supply execution are helping Apple outperform rivals during a memory chip shortage.