In Q3 2021, the US smartphone market increased by 1% year on year (YoY). Despite persistent global component shortages, OEMs such as Apple, Samsung, and Motorola were able to secure sufficient supply to expand their market shares and sustain the US market recovery, according to a new report released on Thursday.
Counterpoint Research forecasts that the US market will continue to grow in 2021. Apple and Samsung maintained their leadership position in Q3 2021, accounting for 77% of total shipments. Both experienced strong year-over-year growth of 9% and 18%, respectively.
Despite supply constraints, Apple's iPhone 13, which launched late in the quarter, accounted for 17% of the OEM's total Q3 sales.
“We expect to see continued strength in iPhone 13 sales as we enter the holiday quarter. Samsung was also able to have a successful launch of its latest foldable devices and has had success in pushing its most affordable 5G smartphone, the Samsung A32 5G, through carriers such as T-Mobile and Metro by Mobile,” Jeff Fieldhack, Research Director, Counterpoint said in a statement.
Motorola surpassed LG to become the third-largest OEM in Q3. Moto G Play, Moto G Power, and the 5G-enabled Moto G Stylus are the OEM's top models.
Motorola was less impacted by supply chain disruptions caused by Vietnam factory closures, as the company manufactures the majority of its devices in China.
TCL and Alcatel-branded devices experienced a slight decline as 4G chip shortages hampered the production of additional devices, particularly in the sub-$150 segment.
In Q3, OnePlus surpassed Samsung to become the fifth-largest OEM in the United States, owing to the success of its N200 5G device early in the quarter.
