For the first time since August 2021, Xiaomi has overtaken Apple in global smartphone sales, according to data from Counterpoint Research’s Smartphone 360 Monthly Tracker.
Xiaomi’s impressive rise in 2024 is due to its revamped product lineup, marketing strategies, and sales approach. After facing challenges in 2022 and early 2023, the company refined its focus on delivering key models across various price points.
Demand for Xiaomi’s Redmi 13 and Note 13 series, which offer affordable 5G technology, surged in major markets like India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Xiaomi’s success was also driven by strong sales in both the mid-range and premium segments, including foldable and high-end ‘ultra’ devices.
Apple’s seasonal slowdown in August, when consumers typically hold off on purchases ahead of new iPhone launches, further helped Xiaomi’s climb.
However, with the upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple is expected to bounce back and reclaim its position.
iPhone 16 Series to Drive Apple’s Comeback
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays respectively, boast the thinnest bezels ever on an iPhone.
Apple introduced a new “Desert Titanium” color, and both models are powered by the A18 Pro chip, offering unmatched performance. The Pro Max model is set to have the longest battery life in iPhone history.
The iPhone 16 Pro’s camera system has received a significant upgrade, including a 48MP Fusion camera with a 24 mm focal length, a 2.44 μm quad-pixel sensor, and a 2x Telephoto lens.
It also includes a 48MP Ultra Wide camera with a 13 mm focal length and a 12MP 5x Telephoto lens with a 120 mm focal length. Users can record 4K video at 120 frames per second, with an innovative Audio Mix feature that allows layering music tracks through the Voice Memos app.
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at $1,199. Pre-orders start this Friday, with both models available in stores on September 20.