Samsung phone delay opens door for big iPhone year

The iPhone 17 is creating a surge for Apple while others slow down.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone sales in the US increased by 1.3% compared to the previous year during the first quarter, in contrast to a 5.7% decline in the overall smartphone market. The iPhone benefited from Samsung's delayed introduction of the Galaxy S26.

Per Counterpoint Research, Samsung's Galaxy S26 series, typically launched in January, was postponed to March 11, granting Apple a lead in first-quarter smartphone sales. Last year, the Galaxy S25 debuted in January and was available by February.

"Delaying a major product launch by any brand creates an opening that others can take advantage of," said Tyler Graham, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research. "Apple utilised this opportunity effectively."

Apple's smartphone successes have been ongoing since the iPhone 17 was released in September. The company cited a "record-breaking" demand for iPhones in the holiday season, which persisted into the March quarter, reflecting a 22% rise in iPhone sales.

Multiple factors, including postponed launches and consumer economic pressures, have added to the overall decline in the US smartphone market during this period, as per Counterpoint Research.

Apple's pricing approach allowed it to maintain its advantage in the smartphone competition. The iPhone 17e, Apple's budget-friendly phone, was priced at $599, identical to the iPhone 16e predecessor, but now included 256 gigabytes of additional storage.

Conversely, Samsung increased the price of its Galaxy S26 base and Plus models by $100 from previous versions and discontinued its entry-level phone with 128 gigabytes of storage. 

This price increase occurred as electronics manufacturers struggled with the escalating costs of memory chips.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook has refrained from commenting on potential price augmentations due to the memory shortage, but in April, the company anticipated "significantly higher memory costs" for the June quarter.

If Apple commits to stable prices and continues to fuel iPhone demand, it can bolster its competitive standing in the smartphone arena.

"If Apple manages to evade significant price hikes and continue leading its competitors in promotional spending, it will be challenging for Android manufacturers to compete in the coming year," Counterpoint noted.