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Apple Set To Eclipse Samsung In Global Smartphone Shipments In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 26, 2025

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple is poised to ship more smartphones than Samsung in 2025 – a milestone not seen in 14 years. With forecast shipments of approximately 243 million iPhone units compared to Samsung’s 235 million, Apple’s market share is expected to reach 19.4% while Samsung holds 18.7%. Although these shipments reflect distribution to retail channels rather than direct sales, they serve as a vital indicator of underlying consumer demand.

Market Momentum Driven By The iPhone 17 Series

The success of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, launched in September, has been instrumental in shifting market dynamics. Reports indicate that the series enjoyed a notably robust holiday season, with U.S. sales surging by 12% over the previous generation – excluding the iPhone 16e – and an 18% increase in sales in the critical Chinese market. This reception underscores the strength of Apple’s product lineup and affirms its competitive edge.

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Strategic Industry Tailwinds And Evolving Consumer Cycles

Counterpoint Research Senior Analyst Yang Wang cites the replacement cycle as a key factor behind Apple’s boosted shipment outlook. As consumers who invested in smartphones during the COVID-19 era approach their upgrade phase, demand for the latest models is expected to rise. Furthermore, Samsung may encounter headwinds in the low- to mid-tier segment, particularly from aggressive Chinese manufacturers, potentially hindering its ability to reclaim market leadership.

Long-Term Growth And Product Expansion

Looking ahead, Counterpoint Research projects Apple to maintain its dominance in the global smartphone market through 2029. A significant secondary market exists, exemplified by the sale of 358 million second-hand iPhones between 2023 and mid-2025, which continues to feed demand as consumers upgrade. Apple’s advantage is reinforced by favorable factors including reduced tariff impacts from the U.S.-China trade truce, a weaker U.S. dollar, and a resilient global economic outlook. These elements have collectively bolstered consumer confidence and supported Apple’s growing footprint in emerging markets.

Apple is also expected to diversify its product offerings by launching the entry-level iPhone 17e and venturing into the foldable smartphone arena in the coming year. In addition, upgrades to Apple’s virtual assistant Siri and a major design overhaul scheduled for 2027 are anticipated to fortify the tech giant’s market position. This multi-tiered strategy is not only designed to capture aspirational consumers in emerging markets but also to consolidate Apple’s lead in the premium segment.

Projected Market Leadership Through 2029

With an increasing preference for the iOS ecosystem and a substantial installed base due for renewal, Apple is strategically positioned to outpace other smartphone OEMs well into the next decade. The company’s ability to innovate across various price points and segments ensures that its appeal remains robust, thereby cementing its market leadership in global smartphone shipments.

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Sila Wins $1.4 Billion Pentagon Loan To Scale U.S. Battery Production

by News Editor

August 10, 2026

Sila has secured a $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Defense to expand production of its silicon-carbon battery material as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese battery supply chains.

Silicon Anodes Offer Higher Energy Density

The funding comes as U.S. automakers and defense companies face challenges securing battery materials from non-Chinese suppliers. Graphite, which is used in most lithium-ion battery anodes, has a supply chain heavily dominated by Chinese producers.

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Sila is among several companies developing silicon-based alternatives to graphite. Other players include Group14 and Amprius.

Silicon anodes can store around 20% to 40% more energy than graphite, potentially enabling longer-lasting batteries or smaller and lighter cells. Those characteristics are particularly attractive for electric vehicles, drones and other mobility and defense applications.

Sila produces its silicon-carbon material at a factory in Moses Lake, Washington, giving it a domestic source that is less exposed to tariffs and geopolitical risks.

The facility began operating in September and currently has annual capacity of about 2 gigawatt-hours of anode material. Sila plans to expand the factory fivefold, which would provide enough material for more than 100,000 EVs.

Pentagon Funding Supports Expansion

In July, Sila raised $300 million to help finance the expansion, bringing its total funding from private investors to more than $1.5 billion, according to PitchBook.

The company already has agreements with Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic. The new Pentagon financing could also help Sila pursue contracts with defense companies as demand for advanced batteries grows.

The Department of Defense announced funding for three other critical-materials companies alongside the Sila loan.

Sunrise Energy Metals will receive a $400 million loan to develop scandium resources, while Niron Magnetics secured $150 million to manufacture rare-earth-free magnets. Strategic Bauxite will receive an $85 million government equity investment to support mining of aluminum-bearing minerals.