A recent Gallup poll shows over 60% of South Koreans in their twenties prefer iPhones, while older generations mostly use Samsung devices. This trend highlights a cultural shift among young people who increasingly view American brands as more desirable.

Apple is poised to become the largest smartphone maker, surpassing Samsung for the first time in over a decade. The strong launch of the iPhone 17 series has driven significant sales growth in the US and China, aided by improved trade conditions and a weaker dollar that benefits emerging markets.

A report shows Apple has overtaken Samsung in global smartphone market share, reaching 20% by the end of 2025. This growth is attributed to strong sales of the iPhone 17 and ongoing demand for the iPhone 16, especially in key markets like Japan and India. Both companies are poised to navigate potential market contractions due to rising memory costs.

Samsung's U.S. smartphone market share has surged to 31%, while Apple's has declined to 49%, signaling a renewed rivalry between the two companies. Samsung's innovative foldable phones, like the Z Fold 7, are gaining traction and contributing to its market gains, while Apple is expected to introduce new form factors, including a potential folding iPhone by 2026. The shift in market dynamics is also influenced by tariffs and varying product ranges offered by Samsung.