Fueled by tariff relief and strong demand in emerging markets, Apple beats Samsung to lead global smartphone shipments in Q1 2025, while investors celebrate a $14 million profit from bullish bets.
New Delhi | April 14, 2025 –
Apple Inc. saw its shares soar as much as 7% on Monday, following the Trump administration’s decision to exempt smartphones from steep tariffs on Chinese imports. The relief sparked a global tech rally and bolstered Apple’s standing as the world’s top smartphone vendor for Q1 2025.
According to IDC data, Apple shipped 57.9 million iPhones globally between January and March—a 10% increase over the previous year, largely attributed to preemptive stockpiling ahead of the tariff announcement. This front-loading strategy helped Apple edge past Samsung, capturing 19% of the global smartphone market.
Apple’s momentum was particularly strong in India and Japan, even as sales stagnated in the US, China, and Europe. The launch of the iPhone 16e contributed significantly to its strong first-quarter performance, especially in emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Counterpoint Research confirmed Apple’s top position, with Samsung trailing at 18% market share. The company’s success comes despite intensifying competition in China, where local players like Huawei continue to gain ground, and Apple’s AI innovation gap remains a concern.
Adding to investor cheer, a bold $5 million options trade betting on a short-term Apple rebound surged in value to $14 million, as the stock jumped to an intraday high of $212.94 before settling around $206.05, up 4.5% by close.
Apple had also chartered cargo flights to move nearly 1.5 million iPhones from India to the US, anticipating tariff pressure—a move now seen as both savvy and necessary amid Trump’s unpredictable trade policy.
While the exemption of electronics like smartphones and computers helped stabilize global markets, analysts warn that tariff tensions could continue to roil supply chains unless long-term clarity emerges.
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