Huawei became the world’s number 1 smartphone manufacturer in April with an impressive market share of 21%. Now, less than six months later, new market data suggests Huawei has started to tumble.
Samsung is once again number 1 in the smartphone market
The latest Monthly Market Pulse report courtesy of Counterpoint Research reveals that Samsung performed as expected in recent months and successfully recuperated its smartphone crown in August.The South Korean company accounted for 22% of all smartphone shipments, a slight increase over the 20% share it held back in April at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Samsung’s rebound can be attributed to the recovery of India in July and August following a nationwide lockdown in the preceding months. The company has performed so well, in fact, that it now holds its highest Indian market share since 2018.
Huawei’s market share decline sharply over the summer
Huawei followed in second place with a market share of 16% in August. The results are certainly impressive, but it ultimately represents a sharp decline over April when Huawei accounted for 21% of the market.
The Shenzhen-based company is believed to be performing well in China, but it has lost significant ground in Europe over the past year due to a lack of support for Google services in the region.
With there being no sign of support returning soon, and the fact that Huawei now has a limited ability to manufacture smartphones due to extra US sanctions, the company’s market share will likely continue dropping.
If that happens, Apple and Xiaomi are likely to overtake Huawei. A recent report suggested Huawei could fall down to 7th place as soon as Spring 2021.
Apple remained stable; Xiaomi benefitted the most
Apple successfully maintained its market share in August 2020. The Silicon Valley-based giant accounted for 12% of all smartphone shipments, the exact same market share it held in April 2020.
Counterpoint Research says Apple should experience a significant boost in shipments next month thanks to the later launch of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models. Like Samsung, the company will likely benefit from customers leaving Huawei.
Xiaomi was the biggest winner over the summer, though. With Huawei becoming less popular in Europe each month, the company managed to quickly eat up most of its rival’s market share.
Long-term, Counterpoint Research also expects Oppo to benefit from the demise of Huawei.