iPhone becomes the most popular smartphone in 2021Q4
Apple sold a large number of iPhones last year after a number of market research data showed strong iPhone sales in 2021. According to a new report from Canalys, Apple accounted for 22% of global smartphone shipments in 2021Q4, that is, nearly a quarter, becoming the largest smartphone manufacturer and regaining first place.
Since the release of the iPhone 13 series, Apple has continued the strong sales of the iPhone 12 series in the past, and the strong demand for smartphones has also played an important role in Apple’s increase in total shipments. “Apple is back at the top of the smartphone market after three quarters, driven by a stellar performance from the iPhone 13,” said Canalys Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia. “Apple saw unprecedented iPhone performance in Mainland China, with aggressive pricing for its flagship devices keeping the value proposition strong. Apple’s supply chain is starting to recover, but it was still forced to cut production in Q4 amid shortages of key components and could not make enough iPhones to meet demand. In prioritized markets, it maintained adequate delivery times, but in some markets its customers had to wait to get their hands on the latest iPhones.”
Samsung ranked second with 17% of shipments in the fourth quarter of 2021, down one place from the third quarter. Xiaomi ranked third with 12% of shipments. Shortages in the semiconductor supply chain are affecting more low-end suppliers, and the report notes that it may take several years to resolve component shortages. While Apple still has supply chain issues, it is gradually recovering, which will benefit new products in development.
