[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Samsung Electronics maintained its position as the world's number one smartphone seller in the third quarter, while Apple pushed Xiaomi aside to reclaim second place.
According to data released on the 28th (local time) by the U.S. market research firm IDC, Samsung Electronics shipped 69 million units in the third quarter, a 14.2% decrease compared to the same period last year, but secured a 20.8% market share, maintaining its top position.
Bloomberg reported that Samsung's decline in sales was influenced by semiconductor supply disruptions and the decision not to release new products in the Galaxy Note series, a major product line.
Apple, supported by the early release of its latest models, shipped 50.4 million units, a 20.8% increase from the same period last year, securing a 15.2% market share and regaining second place.
Xiaomi shipped 44.3 million units, holding a 13.4% market share and dropping one rank to third place.
Vivo and Oppo followed with shipments of 33.3 million and 33.2 million units, respectively.
Bloomberg forecasted that Samsung's announcement of a decline in smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter due to semiconductor supply shortages increases the likelihood that Apple will take the top spot in global sales.
Global smartphone shipments in the third quarter totaled 331.2 million units, a 6.7% decrease compared to the same period last year.
IDC analyzed that the decline in third-quarter shipments was due to worldwide supply chain disruptions and parts shortages, noting that the smartphone industry, which had been relatively less affected until now, has now entered this impact zone.
They added that while production targets for the fourth quarter are decreasing, demand remains strong, and it appears that supply-side issues will be difficult to ease even next year.
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