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The number of patents Apple was granted dropped 12% from 2024 to 2025

NewsPatentsDennis SellersJanuary 13, 2026
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Despite an uncertain economy, overall customer satisfaction with the retail sector continues to inch forward, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI ) Retail and Consumer Shipping Study 2026. Among the industries measured, general merchandise and specialty retailers each climb 1% to 79 and 80 (on a scale of 0 to 100), respectively. Online retailers are stable at 79, while supermarkets slip 1% to an ACSI score of 78. Among speciality retailers, the Apple Store rankings rose 4% to 79. Behind the topline results, retailers are contending with a more disciplined, value-focused shopper, particularly Generation Z customers. Changing purchase patterns, tighter gaps between top and bottom performers, and growing pressure on price and experience are reshaping how brands compete across the sector. “Retailers are facing a cost-conscious consumer who isn’t necessarily spending less in most cases, but spending differently,” said Forrest Morgeson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Michigan State University and Director of Research Emeritus at the ACSI. “These individuals are starting holiday shopping earlier, avoiding last-minute splurges, and trading down to discount and thrift options to stretch every dollar. Together, these shifts are tightening the field between retail winners and laggards and rewarding brands that deliver clear value and a smooth experience online and in store.” I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support.

After seven years of growth, U.S. patent applications headed sharply downward, dropping 9% from 2024, the lowest level since 2019. 

Apple ranked sixth among global companies and the number of patents they filed. The tech giant was granted 2,722 U.S. patents in 2025, down from 3,082 in 2024, a year-over-year decline of roughly 12%.

Other 2025 results show a slight decline in the number of U.S. patents granted, down less than 1% from 324,064 in 2024 to 323,272 in 2025. Samsung retained the top spot for the fourth year counting according to IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, the a patent data source.

IFI CLAIMS Patent Services is a Digital Science company that compiles and tracks data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other patent-issuing agencies around the globe. IFI translates its world-leading data into an annual U.S. Top 50 and Top 10 Fastest Growing Technologies patent ranking, providing valuable insights into companies’ R&D activity.

Samsung, TSMC, and Qualcomm all retain the same top three standings from the previous year. IBM slipped another three rungs, falling out of the Top 10 and settling into eleventh. Big Blue held top billing for a record 29 consecutive years, but the company intentionally implemented a more selective patenting policy and was displaced by Samsung three years ago. Chinese tech giant Huawei moved up a spot into fourth place, according to the 2025 U.S. Top 50 ranking. Apple moved down two positions to sixth place.

“It’s very interesting to see patent applications take such a dive after a long climb upward,” said Lily Iacurci, Marketing Manager, IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. “We will be watching the data to see if a trend develops. Right now, we’re wondering if other companies are quietly adopting patent strategies similar to the one IBM announced a few years ago. Are R&D departments relying more on trade secrets to protect IP? Or is it a lingering impact from COVID?” 

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.
All posts byDennis Sellers

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