Apple closed 2025 back on top of the global smartphone market, overtaking Samsung for the first time in more than a decade.
The milestone comes as Apple’s stock continues to trade just below recent highs, hovering around the $259 area at the start of 2026.
Stock Price Holds Firm Near $260
Looking in the intraday price action, AAPL spent the session grinding higher after an earlier dip, reclaiming the $259 level and stabilizing above short-term support near $259.00. Buyers stepped in consistently on pullbacks, keeping the broader uptrend intact even as momentum cooled late in the day.
Volume remained steady rather than explosive, suggesting consolidation rather than distribution after Apple’s strong multi-month run.
Apple Takes the Global Smartphone Lead
Apple Inc. finished 2025 with a 20% share of global smartphone shipments, edging past Samsung’s 19%. Global smartphone shipments rose roughly 2% year-on-year, but Apple stood out with shipment growth of around 10%, the fastest among the top five manufacturers.
The shift marks Apple’s first annual leadership position in smartphone shipments in over ten years, signaling a meaningful change in competitive dynamics.
What Drove Apple’s Dominance
Several forces aligned in Apple’s favor. Strong global demand for the iPhone 17 series fueled a fresh upgrade cycle, especially among users who bought devices during the COVID-era boom. Expansion into emerging markets, particularly India, also played a growing role in shipment growth.
Apple’s ability to scale premium devices while expanding geographically allowed it to grow faster than the broader market.
Stock Performance vs. Fundamentals
Despite the operational strength, Apple’s stock gained about 8.6% in 2025, slightly lagging the broader S&P 500. With Apple’s market capitalization hovering near $4 trillion, expectations are already high, which helps explain why shares have moved more steadily rather than explosively.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Industry analysts are flagging potential headwinds for the smartphone market in 2026, including chip supply constraints and rising component costs. Even so, Apple is widely viewed as better positioned than peers due to its supply-chain control, pricing power, and premium customer base.
For now, Apple’s market leadership and resilient price structure suggest the stock remains in consolidation mode, not exhaustion, as it enters the new year from a position of strength.
