HUAWEI leaves Apple behind as it becomes second-largest OEM in 2019

According to a new report by Counterpoint Research, Apple sold more smartphones in Q4 2019 than any other manufacturer. But Apple’s success couldn’t stop HUAWEI from passing it to become the second-largest OEM in 2019. Samsung remains top dog overall, but HUAWEI keeps inching closer every year.

Huawei’s overall 2019 performance was solid, despite the ongoing trade band. The company’s market share grew from 14% to 16%, while Apple’s declined from 14% to 13%. Despite its decreased market share, Apple iPhone revenues were up YoY for the first time since September 2018.

Huawei’s success is mostly attributed to its performance in its homeland. China accounted for about 60% of the company’s shipments, and HUAWEI claimed a whopping 40% of its overall market.

For the time being, the current political tension between HUAWEI and the US government hasn’t hindered global sales too much. But in the grand scheme of things, the trade ban is still relatively new, and its effects will probably last for several years to come.

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It will be interesting to see where HUAWEI will be in a few years. It already passed Apple — a massive feat in itself — and at the OEMs’ current pace, HUAWEI looks like it could even surpass Samsung in the not so distant future. That is if it can fend off future US attacks and continue gaining market share outside of China.