The US smartphone market witnessed a further 5% decline in Q3, marking a continued downturn, as revealed by recent industry insights.
Shipment Surge Amidst Market Contraction
Despite the overall market contraction, there was a notable 21% sequential growth in shipments, reaching a remarkable 31 million units. This surge was fueled by the introduction of Apple’s latest iPhone, coupled with strategic carrier promotions targeting premium device upgrades, according to the latest findings from Canalys.
Apple’s Modest Dip: Navigating Market Challenges
While the market experienced a decline, Apple’s shipments only saw a modest 8% dip, totaling 17.2 million units. The delayed release of the iPhone 15, compared to its predecessor, played a significant role in this decline.
Samsung’s Resilience: Innovations Driving Recovery
In contrast, Samsung exhibited resilience with a slight volume recovery from Q2 2023, shipping 6.8 million units. The introduction of its new foldable models played a pivotal role, contributing to over 20% of its total shipments.
Google Pixel Shines: Securing Market Share
Amidst market fluctuations, Google Pixel emerged as a frontrunner, capturing a noteworthy 4% market share by shipping 1.2 million units.
Industry Expert Insights
According to Runar Bjorhovde, an analyst at Canalys, “The US smartphone market is stabilizing, but there is no expectation of a Q4 turnaround.” This insight sheds light on the current market dynamics.
iPhone 15 Series Impact: A September Sensation
The iPhone 15 series made a strong entry in September, accounting for an impressive 34% of all iPhone sales in the US during Q3.
Changing User Behavior: Challenges and Opportunities
Analyst Le Xuan Chiew emphasized the ongoing shift in user behavior. While carriers prioritize the annual refresh of the iPhone portfolio to attract switchers, there’s a growing trend among current users. Fewer opt for the latest models, leaning towards older generations, refurbished devices, or simply keeping their current phones for an extended period.
Looking Ahead: Mild Recovery on the Horizon
As the US smartphone market stabilizes, Canalys anticipates a gradual recovery in 2024. This projection signals potential opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of the smartphone industry.