Samsung Gains Ground on Apple in US Smartphone Market with Foldable Devices and AI Advancements

Samsung's US smartphone market share increased from 23% to 31% in Q2 2025, while Apple's share decreased from 56% to 49%. The rise of foldables, such as the Samsung Z Fold 7 and Z Flip, has contributed to Samsung's success. Apple's constrained product lineup and lack of AI features have given Samsung an edge in the market. Foldables are becoming mainstream, and Samsung's timing has been advantageous.

Title: Samsung's U.S. Smartphone Market Share Surges to 31% in Q2 2025

Samsung's U.S. smartphone market share has surged to 31% in the second quarter of 2025, according to data from Canalys. This significant increase, from 23% in the previous period, highlights Samsung's growing dominance in the U.S. market. The rise can be attributed to several factors, including the introduction of innovative foldable phones and a broader range of products at different price points.

Samsung's success in the second quarter was bolstered by the introduction of two new folding phones: the Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip. The Z Fold 7 can effectively transform into a tablet, while the Z Flip resembles an old-school flip phone with modern features. These devices have gained significant traction on social media, with positive reviews and high demand [1].

In contrast, Apple's U.S. smartphone market share declined from 56% to 49% during the same period. This drop suggests that Apple is facing increased competition from Samsung and other manufacturers. While Apple remains a dominant player globally, its market share in the U.S. has been declining, indicating potential challenges in the near future.

The shift in market share is not solely driven by consumer preferences. Tariffs and other disruptions in the industry have also played a role. Samsung's ability to offer a wide range of products at various price points, from low-end to high-end devices, has given it an edge over Apple. Samsung's Galaxy and Z phone lineup stretches from $650 to $2,400, offering a diverse range of options for consumers [1].

Apple's constrained product lineup and lack of AI features have also contributed to Samsung's success. Samsung devices leverage Google's Gemini AI, which offers several features not available with Siri and Apple Intelligence. Foldable phones, with their larger displays, are particularly well-suited for AI applications, enhancing user productivity [1].

Investors have shown concern about Apple's AI delays, including its next-generation Siri, which is now scheduled to come out next year. However, many analysts believe that Apple's brand loyalty and lock-in will provide it with a period of years before iPhone customers start defecting to competitors.

Looking ahead, Samsung's strategy of innovating with new form factors and AI features has proven successful. The company's ability to optimize for innovation and maintain a wide product range has positioned it well in the competitive smartphone market. As foldables become more mainstream, Samsung's timing has been advantageous, allowing it to capture a larger share of the market.

References
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/16/samsungs-us-market-share-apple-rivalry-foldable-phones.html