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Apple is poised to reclaim the summit of the global smartphone market. According to a comprehensive new forecast by Counterpoint Research, the technology giant is projected to finish 2025 as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer by volume. This monumental shift is largely attributed to an anticipated “supercycle” of upgrades driven by the forthcoming iPhone 17 lineup, coupled with resilient consumer demand in critical economic hubs such as the United States and China. If these projections hold true, it will mark a defining moment in the industry—the first time in over a decade that Apple surpasses Samsung in total annual shipments.
Evidence of this market realignment is already palpable within the United Arab Emirates. While other manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, may currently report higher figures in total unit sales due to entry-level pricing, Apple continues to exercise commanding dominance over the premium segment. With iOS emerging as the fastest-growing mobile platform in the region, the data highlights a clear distinction: Apple’s strength lies in its superior brand retention, residual product value, and the compelling integration of its hardware ecosystem.
Looking beyond the immediate horizon, Counterpoint indicates that this trajectory is sustainable. Bolstered by a diversified product roadmap that reportedly includes the introduction of a foldable device and a more accessible “iPhone 17e” model, Apple appears well-positioned to secure and maintain the top global ranking through at least 2029.
