The global smartphone market recovered gradually in the third quarter of 2024, delivering its strongest performance since the early days of the pandemic. ChannelVendors reported shipments of 309.9 million devices for the quarter, a clear signal that demand remained robust across price points and regions. In North America the rebound was evident in the resilience of mid to upper range models, while emerging markets continued to show healthy growth in value-conscious segments. This broad-based recovery points to a return to more typical seasonal patterns after the disruption earlier in the year.
In Q3, Samsung held its position as the leading smartphone maker with a 19 percent share, though the margin to rivals narrowed noticeably. Apple trailed closely behind, and Xiaomi rose to third place with roughly 14 percent of sales, illustrating a more competitive landscape than in previous quarters. For buyers in Canada and the United States, the dynamics echoed the global picture, with Samsung and Apple driving premium purchases and Xiaomi expanding its presence in mid-range devices.
Analysts at Canalys note that Apple could lift its share by introducing older iPhone models such as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 to the Indian market. The firm expects Apple to maintain its leadership in the fourth quarter of 2024, though supply delays are likely to compress the usual gap with rivals and intensify competition in the peak holiday season.
The largest gains in supply were recorded in the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America, markets that outpaced the broader trend thanks to sharper price competition and stronger distribution networks in the budget segment. These regions benefited from more aggressive pricing strategies and improved retail reach, helping manufacturers move devices more effectively into price-conscious segments.
Outlooks for 2025 remain cautiously optimistic. In mature markets such as the United States, Canada, China, and Western Europe, the premium device category is expected to grow as AI-driven features and smarter software experiences become more standard in flagship models.
Earlier reports noted consumer interest in smart home products in Russia, including items like smart pillows and LED face masks, illustrating regional tastes and the diversity of demand across the global smartphone landscape.