Canalys research shows that the Middle East (excluding Turkey) shipped 8.8 million smartphones, with a 3.5% annual decline in the first quarter of 2023. And Apple’s iPhone had a great year.
iPhone sales in the Middle East grew 35.4% year-over-year in the first quarter. Apple sold 1.3 million smartphones in the quarter; that’s up from 1 million in quarter one of 2022.
Apple now has 15% of the Middle East smartphone market, up from 11% year-over-year. Leading the market is Samsung with 45% market share.
“Apple’s year-on-year growth is fueled by partnerships with local retailers and operators in UAE and Saudi Arabia, and strong popularity among younger generations. Additionally, attractive installment payment options are acting as growth catalysts in the region,” says Canalys Senior Consultant Manish Pravinkumar.
