IDC: Apple is World's No. 1 Smartphone Vendor

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Against incredible odds and with only one model in the market, Apple Inc. has become the world's leading smartphone vendor according to a report from IDC (International Data Corporation). Apple overtook long-time leader Nokia. Apple jumped to the top spot with a 19.1% share of the 106.5 million smartphones shipped in the second quarter, according to IDC.

IDC's Ramon Llamas notes Apple's growth since 2007, and that a rumoured iPhone refresh expected later this year will push volumes even higher. 

“The smartphone market crowned a new leader in the second quarter, and its name is Apple,” IDC analyst Ramon Llamas said in a statement.

IDC also stated the smartphone market grew 65.4% year over year in the second quarter, which was generally in line with firm‘s forecast of 67.3%.

Apple is getting a lift from its distribution network featuring 200 carriers in more than 200 countries, IDC said, as well as its “increased manufacturing capacity and solid demand within emerging and developed markets from both consumers and business users.”

Lamas added, "Ever since the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has made market-setting strides in hardware, software, and channel development to grab mindshare and market share. Demand has been so strong that even models that have been out for one or two years are still being sought out. With an expected refresh later this year, volumes are set to reach higher levels."

Apple builds both the software and the hardware for its iPhone and strictly manages their app ecosystem. The iPhone usually receives a refresh in June for a global July-August release. this year, however no new hardware has as of yet been announced. Apple is expected to release a new iPhone in September.