Apple saw 25% YoY growth in European smartphone market in 2021, reveals research

According to a new report, Apple’s smartphone business grew 25% year-over-year in the European market in 2021 and hit a record-high market share in the region by December 2021.

iPhone 13

Apple hit its highest-ever market share in Europe by December 2021

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s smartphone market share overtook Samsung twice in 2021. Apple started the year with a market-leading 34% share and took the lead once again in November 2021, a lead which Apple extended to reach its highest ever share in Europe in December 2021.

Apple’s total market share throughout 2021 was 26%, up from 22% the previous year. Samsung’s market share was slightly higher at 32% for 2021. The Cupertino tech giant ended the year with a total market share of 33%.

Apple

2021 was a “rollercoaster year” for the European smartphone market, Counterpoint notes. The impact of COVID-19 continued into 2021 and then the region faced challenges of global component shortages in the middle of the year. The entire European smartphone market managed to grow by 8% in 2021. However, this growth was only a partial recovery.

“It is great to see the European smartphone market growing in 2021, but that only tells half the story; COVID-19 impacts resulted in a 14% annual drop in sales in 2020, which means the market is still well-below pre-pandemic levels,” said Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint.

Apple

Other smartphone manufacturers saw even higher levels of growth in 2021 than brands like Apple and Samsung. Xiaomi saw 50% year-over-year growth and even became number one in the region for the first time in June 2021. Additionally, OPPO grew 94% year-over-year in 2021, while Realme grew 162%.

Not all Chinese manufacturers saw significant growth. Huawei’s sales dropped by almost 90% annually in Europe in 2021, leaving it with a 1% market share.

Going into 2022, Counterpoint expects the long-rumored iPhone SE with 5G connectivity to give the Cupertino tech giant a boost later this year and help it retain its market share lead.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.