Global smartphone demand saw a 6.5% growth according to IDC as manufacturers continuously launch AI-powered features and huge discounts.

China's 618 shopping festival boosted the global smartphone growth rate due to huge discounts and sales offered during the event.

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iPhone Improves Sales Despite Pressure From China

IDC reported that Apple shipped 45.2 million devices in the quarter, accounting for a 1.5% improvement from its previous sales in the same period last year. The tech giant is gradually recovering from China's earlier request to stifle Apple's growth.

Last year, Apple experienced immense pressure from China after employers started to ban the use of foreign devices for state-run operations and workplaces. IDC shared that the tech giant managed to improve its sales in the second quarter after the Worldwide Developers Conference.

"This is in part due to heavy discounts and promotions in many regions but also thanks to renewed customer confidence after WWDC when Apple finally announced its AI strategy," said IDC research director Nabila.

It is also expected that Apple will continue to grow in the following quarter as Microsoft announced that its China-based employees will be required to use Apple products starting in September.

Samsung Outranks Chinese-Based Smartphone Manufacturers

Samsung ranked first in terms of shipments for the second quarter of 2024. The electronics giant recorded 53.9 million shipments during the quarter and had a 0.7% growth from 2023.

Apple landed in second place despite restrictions from China. Chinese-based manufacturers like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo also recorded a big growth increase.

Xiaomi had the best growth among the companies with 27.4% increase rates in sales and ranked third. The company narrowly missed the second spot to Apple by around three million.

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