IDC’s latest report bothering on smartphone shipment in Europe, the Middle East and Africa shows that an estimated 83.7 million units were shipped during the first quarter of this year. The shipping estimate represents a 3.3% year-on-year decrease when compared to the same period last year.
The data also shows that the major players raked in an estimated $26.8 million in revenue for the sales but this is less than what was obtained during the same period last year. The estimate is 10% lower than what was obtained in Q1 2018.
Despite its battle with the government, the data shows that Huawei recorded the largest growth in the region with a 66.1% YoY increase in shipments. Fellow Chinese OEM Xiaomi followed with 33.3% YoY growth in shipment. Apart from the two companies that recorded a year-on-year increase in shipments, all other major brands recorded slumps in their shipments. HMD’s Nokia shipments fell by 32.6% YoY while Apple lost 22.73%.
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In terms of gross shipments, Samsung remains the market leader in the regions with a 29.5% market share, followed closely by Huawei with a 25.4% market share. Apple came in at third place with a 14.7% market share. IDC notes that Apple’s Q1 2019 result was the company’s lowest in five years. Since the US giant isn’t expected to release a new smartphone until the third quarter, we don’t expect an improved result in Q2. Apple’s reduced market share is traceable to poor performance in former strongholds like China where local OEMs have risen with sleek but cheaper models, threatening not just Apple but Samsung.
Overall shipments fell short of previous figures as consumers hold on to devices for longer. The average price of phones also dropped as OEMs look to attract more customers. However, IDC predicts a grim future for the market due to heightened geopolitical tensions and the habit of consumers holding onto devices for longer periods.
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