According to a new analytical report posted this morning, US smartphone sell-in decreased 4% YoY in Q3 due to weak demand in both prepaid and postpaid channels. Counterpoint noted that “Apple sell-in was muted in Q3, however we did see September sales up 6% as Apple benefitted from an earlier iPhone 16 launch.

At launch, we saw many users of older iPhone generations upgrade, helping initial sales. We believe Apple Intelligence will motivate upgraders in the future, but this upgrade period was not a significant driver.” Apple grew its market share by 1% whereas Samsung fell 3%.

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Fold 6 in July this year, which caused shipments to fall into June. This, combined with softer demand for foldabes this year, resulted in the 13% YoY unit decline for Samsung.

Google Pixel sell-in share grew to 4%, its highest Q3 market share to-date. Maurice Klaehne, Senior Analyst said, “The Pixel 9 series had a staggard launch this year starting at the end of August with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL, followed by the 9 Pro and 9 Pro Fold in the beginning of September. This helped increase shipments in the quarter compared to the October launch of the Pixel 8 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL cracked the top ten best-selling premium smartphones in the quarter.