Global Smartphone AP-SoC Market Share Q4 2024: MediaTek Leads, Apple Shows Strong Growth

Global Smartphone AP-SoC Market Share Q4 2024: MediaTek Leads, Apple Shows Strong GrowthThe global smartphone application processor (AP-SoC) market witnessed intense competition in Q4 2024. According to the latest data from Counterpoint Research, MediaTek led the market with a 34% share, followed by Apple (23%), Qualcomm (21%), Unisoc (14%), Samsung (4%), and Huawei HiSilicon (3%)

Global Smartphone AP-SoC Market Share Q4 2024: MediaTek Leads, Apple Shows Strong Growth

The global smartphone application processor (AP-SoC) market witnessed intense competition in Q4 2024. According to the latest data from Counterpoint Research, MediaTek led the market with a 34% share, followed by Apple (23%), Qualcomm (21%), Unisoc (14%), Samsung (4%), and Huawei HiSilicon (3%). The report provides an in-depth analysis of the major players' performance during the quarter, revealing subtle shifts in the market landscape and future trends.

MediaTek maintained its leading position in the global smartphone AP-SoC market in Q4 2024. While its market share slightly decreased from 37% in the previous quarter to 34%, it still secured the top spot. Counterpoint Research noted an overall increase in MediaTek's shipments, with stable LTE chip shipments and a significant surge in 5G chip shipments. This growth was largely driven by the strong performance of the high-end Dimensity 9400 chip, which significantly boosted MediaTek's high-end chip shipments. Furthermore, MediaTek launched four new mid-range chips Dimensity 8400, Dimensity 8350, Helio G50, and Helio G92 solidifying its competitiveness in the mid-range segment. These new products expanded MediaTek's product line, catering to customers across different price points and enhancing its overall market competitiveness. Despite the slight decline in share, MediaTek's growth in overall shipments and its diverse product portfolio across price segments highlight its strong market competitiveness.

Apple also delivered a strong performance in Q4 2024. Driven by significant shipments of new iPhones, Apple's A-series processors experienced rapid growth, with market share surging from 15% in the previous quarter to 23%, securing second place. This demonstrates Apple's strong brand influence and product competitiveness, with its robust performance in the high-end market providing strong support for its market share growth. The strong sales of new iPhones directly boosted shipments of Apple's A-series processors, proving a key driver of its market share increase.

Qualcomm's chip shipments saw a slight quarter-over-quarter decline in Q4 2024, but strong growth in the high-end market effectively offset this impact, ultimately driving revenue growth. Despite the shipment decline, Qualcomm maintained its competitiveness in the global smartphone AP-SoC market thanks to its dominant position in the high-end segment, showcasing the success of its high-end market focus. Qualcomm's strong position and brand influence in the high-end market resulted in continued revenue growth, demonstrating its resilience in the market competition.

Unisoc also achieved commendable results in Q4 2024, increasing its market share from 13% in the previous quarter and the same period last year to 14%, securing fourth place. Counterpoint Research attributed this growth to the adoption of its LTE chips by several leading manufacturers, leading to a significant increase in shipments. Specifically, leveraging its strong LTE product portfolio, Unisoc further expanded its market share in the low-end market (under $99), providing a solid foundation for its overall market share growth. Unisoc's success in the low-end market showcases its advantages in cost control and product competitiveness.

Samsung and Huawei HiSilicon held the fifth and sixth positions with market shares of 4% and 3%, respectively. Despite relatively smaller market shares, these companies still hold a presence in the global smartphone AP-SoC market and continue to invest in R&D and market expansion. Samsung and Huawei HiSilicon retain unique competitive advantages in their respective technology domains and market strategies, continuing to contribute to the market.

In conclusion, the global smartphone AP-SoC market remained fiercely competitive in Q4 2024. MediaTek maintained its leading position driven by its presence in the mid-to-high-end market and overall shipment growth. Apple saw a significant market share increase thanks to strong iPhone sales. Qualcomm maintained stability through its strong high-end market dominance, while Unisoc experienced growth driven by success in the low-end market. Going forward, manufacturers will continue to compete in technological innovation, product strategies, and market expansion to gain larger market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Differentiated product strategies targeting specific market segments will be crucial in determining each player's position in the future. This suggests an even more exciting competitive landscape for the global smartphone AP-SoC market in 2025.