iPhone is at the top again after removing Samsung. Apple topped smartphone sales in the fourth quarter of last year. In 2021, Samsung topped the first three quarters but dropped to second place in the last quarter. According to market research firm Canalys, Apple’s market share stood at 22 percent in the October-December quarter. In contrast, Samsung’s market share stands at 20 percent. News tech radar.

Apple tops iPhone 4 in fourth quarter Last quarter, Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi were hit hard. Last quarter, Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi dropped to third place in smartphone sales. Even sales of Chinese companies like Oppo and Vivo have declined. Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo’s market share fell 12, 9, and 8 percent, respectively.

According to a report by Canalys, Apple was able to give a big push to Samsung with the unveiling of the iPhone 13 in the market in September. Although Apple reduced its production targets due to the crisis in the supply chain caused by the global epidemic. The Cupertino, California-based company had a stronger position in the market than its competitors. Apple has tried to meet the demand by setting up an iPhone factory in India. Apple’s global market share has increased as iPhone sales in mainland China have increased.

Samsung’s market share stood at 20 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021. Despite losing the top spot, Samsung’s market share has declined compared to the third quarter. In the July-September quarter, Samsung’s market share was 17 percent.

The ups and downs in the list of top smartphone sellers in the last quarter of the outgoing year are expected to continue in the first quarter of the new year. In the first quarter of 2022, Chinese companies will bring several flagship phones. Xiaomi 12 series phones will be unveiled in the market soon. Besides, it brings several smartphones like Apo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Realm. After a strong position in the premium smartphone market with two foldable phones, Samsung will bring Galaxy S22 series phones.

Since Apple is not bringing any new smartphones in the first quarter, it seems impossible to hold the top spot. However, with the unveiling of the iPhone SE phone, Apple may be strong again in the April-June quarter. As a mid-range phone, it is expected to get quite a response in different parts of the world.

The chip crisis is a headache for smartphone companies. It is expected that this shortage will continue till the end of this year. Giant semiconductor makers like Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek are coming up with new chips. Manufacturers will bring powerful smartphones with new flagship chips on the front lines.

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