In the first half of 2023, Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max has emerged as the global leader in smartphone shipments, with 26.5 million units shipped.
According to an article by CNBC, this data comes from Omdia’s “Smartphone Model Market Tracker – 2Q23” report. The iPhone 14 Pro Max outperformed its slightly less premium counterpart, the iPhone 14 Pro, which saw 21 million units shipped during the same period.
Apple’s devices dominated the top four spots in global shipments. The iPhone 14 secured the third position with 16.5 million units, while the iPhone 13 followed closely with 15.5 million units. This marks a significant shift in consumer behavior, as buyers are increasingly opting for higher-end smartphones over mid-range or entry-level options.
In contrast to last year, when the iPhone 13 was the market leader, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has now taken the top spot. This change suggests that consumers are gravitating more toward the premium end of the smartphone market. The shift comes despite the fact that smartphones have seen only incremental upgrades in recent years, mainly focusing on improved cameras and more powerful processors.
This trend toward premium devices occurs even as consumers express a general sense of fatigue with smartphones, which have become essential tools for both personal and professional life. High price tags, often exceeding $1,000, have previously deterred people from purchasing flagship models. However, consumers are now showing a greater willingness to invest in top-tier devices, seeking the best features available.
Samsung’s Galaxy A14 and Galaxy S23 Ultra also made it to the list, shipping 12.4 million and 9.6 million units respectively. Interestingly, smartphones from Chinese manufacturers did not make it to the top 10 list, as Omdia reported a double-digit decline in shipments of these devices, primarily in the mid- to low-end market.
As Apple prepares for the launch of its iPhone 15 this fall, Omdia predicts flat or slightly reduced overall iPhone shipments for the year. However, the Pro and Pro Max models are expected to continue their upward trajectory due to sustained demand for premium smartphones.
Global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 6% year-over-year, reaching 1.15 billion units, marking the worst performance in a decade, per Omdia’s earlier data.
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