In 2021, Apple captured almost half of the revenue generated by the smartphone market. An overwhelming domination linked to the success of the latest iPhones.
When it comes to revenue in the smartphone segment, there’s Apple and the rest of the world. Present from the start with its iPhone, the apple brand has cultivated its high-end image. Fifteen years after the first iPhone, the recipe still works and allows the firm to dominate the market. According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, smartphone makers generated a total of $448 billion in revenue in 2021.
A good increase compared to 2020 (+7%) which is explained by a growing demand for 5G devices. The latter, more expensive than their 4G counterparts, have also led to a 12% increase over one year in the average selling price of a smartphone. Last year, 40% of smartphones shipped were 5G compatible and this represents an increase of 18% compared to 2020.
Apple remains more than ever the most profitable brand with 44% of total revenue, or $196 billion. The Californian firm is far ahead of Samsung (16% of all market revenue, $72 billion) and Oppo (8%, $37 billion) or Xiaomi (8%, $36 billion) who are neck and neck . The place occupied by Apple is largely explained by the high cost of its devices. The average selling price of an iPhone in 2021 is $821, which is a record high.
The Cupertino company is benefiting from strong demand for its iPhone 13 and prolonged interest in the iPhone 12. It is also progressing in emerging markets such as India, Vietnam, Thailand and Brazil.
Android manufacturers are far behind
Behind Apple, Samsung ranks second and the South Korean manufacturer is progressing (+11% over one year). On the other hand, the average selling price of a Samsung smartphone is nothing like that of an iPhone and reaches “only” 263 dollars. Mid-range models have participated in the manufacturer’s good progress, such as the Galaxy S or the Galaxy A and M. We are also seeing an increase in deliveries of folding devices.
Oppo and Xiaomi are on an identical trajectory with strong growth and comparable revenues, according to Counterpoint. The first benefits from its presence in the premium segment with the Find X3 (and now the Find X5) or the OnePlus models. As for Xiaomi, the Chinese manufacturer is progressing in the mid and high-end market.
Note also the fifth place of Vivo which is progressing in all areas, reaching revenues of 34 billion dollars. This subsidiary of BBK sees the average sale price of its smartphones rise to 259 dollars and is also positioned in fifth place in terms of sales volume. The top five smartphone brands contributed more than 85% of total smartphone revenue. Behind, Motorola progresses.
