Apple Maintains Smartphone Lead in 2022 Amid Competitive Market Share Dynamics
The 2022 landscape for smartphones shows Apple continuing to lead in revenues while Samsung remains the strongest rival, according to a comprehensive market assessment. The latest findings indicate that Apple not only held its position but expanded its share, underscoring the enduring strength of the iPhone brand in the North American market. Counterpoint Research notes that Apple’s revenue leadership persisted despite a broader decline in total mobile device sales for the year, highlighting a resilient demand for premium devices and loyal customer adoption in Canada and the United States.
In the year following, Apple grew its share from 37.1 percent to 42 percent, a notable gain even as the overall smartphone market contracted by a modest three percent year over year. Samsung, while still a major force, maintained its position more or less steady, securing around 18.3 percent of total smartphone shipments for the year, with the third quarter of 2021 previously showing a share near 18.5 percent. This pattern reflects how Samsung remains a persistent competitive challenger to Apple, particularly in segments where midrange and premium devices compete for consumer wallets in North America.
A separate highlight from the same research shows a significant shift toward 5G devices, with 5G-enabled smartphones accounting for a record share of shipments during the latest quarter. The momentum for 5G adoption is clear across Canada and the United States, underscoring the industry’s rapid transition to next generation networks and the premium features that accompany 5G models.
In related brand activity, Samsung launched additional advertising that takes aim at Apple, reinforcing the ongoing competitive dialogue between the two leading manufacturers. This campaign illustrates how market rivalry extends beyond price and features into brand perception and consumer engagement, influencing buying decisions in North American markets. Analysts emphasize that brand storytelling and strategic marketing can shape demand patterns even when underlying hardware performance remains strong for multiple vendors. Counterpoint Research, and other market trackers, continue to monitor how these campaigns interact with evolving consumer preferences and the broader shift toward high-end, feature-rich smartphones.
Overall, the year 2022 highlighted a competitive yet stable landscape in North American smartphone sales. Apple maintained dominance in selected revenue metrics, supported by strong demand for its flagship devices and ecosystem advantages. Samsung sustained a robust market position through a diversified product lineup and ongoing investments in 5G technology, while all major vendors benefited from the broad transition to 5G and the growing appeal of premium smartphones. The continued evolution of the market suggests that device buyers in Canada and the United States will remain attentive to a mix of price, performance, and ecosystem benefits as 2023 and beyond unfold, with 5G capability remaining a central driver of purchasing decisions. This snapshot reflects not only quarterly results but also longer-term brand strength, customer loyalty, and strategic market moves across the North American mobile sector. Observers note that the competitive balance could shift as manufacturers refine their hardware, software experiences, and network partnerships in response to consumer needs. (Counterpoint Research)