Apple continues to assert its dominance in the U.S. smartphone market, capturing over half of the market share in the third quarter of this year. According to the latest quarterly report by Counterpoint Research, the tech giant’s stronghold highlights a highly polarized market where few brands make a significant impact.
Apple’s Unwavering Market Leadership
From July to September, Apple commanded 53% of the U.S. smartphone market. This consistent performance underscores the company’s robust brand loyalty and the enduring popularity of its iPhone lineup. Despite a 6% decline in the overall market compared to the same period last year, Apple’s shipments were only down by 5% year-over-year, showcasing its resilience in a challenging economic environment.
Samsung Faces Declining Share
Samsung secured the second position with a 23% market share, a noticeable drop from its peak of 31% in the first quarter of 2024. The company’s shipments decreased by 13% year-over-year, indicating hurdles in maintaining its foothold against Apple’s overwhelming presence.
Lenovo/Motorola’s Notable Growth
Lenovo, owning the Motorola brand, claimed third place with a 14% market share. Impressively, Motorola’s shipments increased by 21% year-over-year. Counterpoint Research analysts attributed this growth “primarily due to an improved prepaid performance from the Moto G Play 2024.” This marks Lenovo/Motorola’s best quarter in the past six periods, signaling a positive trajectory for the brand.
A Polarized Market Landscape
The U.S. smartphone market is notably polarized, with Apple holding over half of the market share and only a few other brands making a significant impact. HMD Global, known for Nokia-branded phones, managed a 1% market share. Collectively, other brands accounted for just 9%, emphasizing how concentrated the market has become.
Consistency Amid Market Decline
Apple’s market share has remained steady over the past three quarters, following a peak in the fourth quarter of last year. This consistency highlights the company’s ability to maintain customer interest and loyalty, even as the overall market experiences a downturn.
Apple’s continued dominance in the U.S. smartphone market reflects its strong brand appeal and strategic positioning. While competitors like Samsung face challenges in market share, brands like Lenovo/Motorola show that growth is possible with the right offerings. The polarized nature of the market suggests that innovation and customer engagement will be key for other brands aiming to increase their presence.