16.3 billion smartphones have been shipped globally in the past 13 years
In 1994, the IBM Simon Personal Communicator, paved the way for a digital revolution. Fast forward to 2017, when smartphone shipments peaked at 1.57 billion units. However, the subsequent six-year period witnessed a 25% decline in shipments.
In 2023, 1.17 billion smartphones were shipped globally. Samsung and Apple maintained their stronghold on the smartphone market, collectively accounting for 38%, with each brand capturing 19%.
Xiaomi maintained a 12% share after peaking at 14% in 2021. Apple's market share shows a gradual increase from 2020, reaching 19% in 2022 and 2023.
Since launching in 2007, the iPhone has been a key part of Apple's revenue stream. Apple's 2021 annual report shows that net sales for iPhones accounted for over half of the company's total net sales for the year.
Apple recorded $191b in net sales from iPhones in 2021, a 39% increase from its 2020 figures. Apple attributed the increase to new iPhone models launched in Q1 and Q4 2021 and a favourable mix of iPhone sales. Here are Apple's iPhone net sales over the years:
