iPhone 15 Pro Max Reigns Supreme: Apple Dominates Top Smartphone Sales in H1 2024

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has emerged as the world's top-selling smartphone in the first half of 2024, according to a recent report by global research firm Omdia. The model achieved a remarkable feat by shipping a staggering 21.8 million units, solidifying its position as the reigning champion and successfully defending the dominance of its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple's Dominance and Samsung's Strong Showing

The dominance of Apple and Samsung is evident in the top 10 list, with both companies securing multiple spots. Following closely behind the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the standard iPhone 15 secured second place with an impressive 17.8 million units shipped, followed by the Samsung Galaxy A15 with 17.3 million units.

Apple's continued success is further solidified by the presence of the iPhone 15 Pro in fourth place (16.9 million units) and the iPhone 13 in sixth place (12.5 million units). The enduring popularity of the iPhone 13, despite its age of over three years, highlights its continued appeal among consumers, demonstrating its lasting impact and consistent performance.

Samsung also boasts a strong presence on the list, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra claiming the fifth spot with 12.6 million units shipped. This impressive performance underscores the continued success of Samsung's high-end flagship series.

Xiaomi's Resurgence and the Rise of Generative AI

The only Chinese vendor to secure a spot in the top 10 is Xiaomi, with its Redmi 13C model achieving eighth place (11.8 million units). Xiaomi's return to the list after being absent in 2023 signifies a resurgence in the brand's popularity and market share.

While the smartphone market witnessed significant growth in the first half of 2024, Omdia predicts a decline in the second half due to ongoing economic instability. Jusy Hong, Senior Research Manager at Omdia, attributed this projected slowdown to the anticipated deceleration in demand for low-end smartphones as pent-up demand from the pandemic subsides. Additionally, the mid-range market is not expected to experience significant growth.

However, the high-end segment is anticipated to see continued growth driven by a stable replacement cycle and emerging market demand. Hong further noted that generative AI could serve as a catalyst for demand in the high-end phone segment, although its influence might not be sufficient to propel overall shipment growth.

The dominance of Apple and Samsung, the resurgence of Xiaomi, and the potential impact of generative AI on the high-end segment highlight the evolving dynamics of the smartphone market. While economic challenges loom, the market's resilience and the ongoing innovation in technology continue to shape its trajectory.