Worldwide smartphone shipments fell 17% year on year in Q4 2022.
A new report by Canalys said full-year 2022 shipments declined by 11% to fewer than 1.2 billion, reflecting an extremely challenging year for all vendors.
Apple reclaimed the top spot in Q4 & achieved its highest quarterly market share ever at 25%, despite facing shrinking demand & manufacturing issues in Zhengzhou. Samsung finished the quarter 2nd with a 20% market share but was the largest vendor for the full year. Xiaomi retained 3rd place despite its share falling to 11% in Q4, largely due to challenges in India. OPPO & vivo rounded out the top 5, taking 10% & 8% market shares, respectively, said the report.
“Smartphone vendors have struggled in a difficult macroeconomic environment throughout 2022. Q4 marks the worst annual and Q4 performance in a decade,” said Canalys Research Analyst Runar Bjørhovde in a post. “The channel is highly cautious with taking on new inventory, contributing to low shipments in Q4. Backed by strong promotional incentives from vendors and channels, the holiday sales season helped reduce inventory levels. While low-to-mid-range demand fell fast in previous quarters, high-end demand began to show weakness in Q4. The market’s performance in Q4 2022 stands in stark contrast to Q4 2021, which saw surging demand and easing supply issues.”
Image credit: Canalys
