Skip to main content

Huawei overcame sanctions to surpass Apple in 2019 global smartphone sales

Huawei, amid sanctions imposed by the U.S. government, surpassed Apple to take second place in global smartphone sales in 2019 — but not enough to dethrone Samsung.

Recommended Videos

The sanctions against Huawei started in mid-2019 when it was placed on the Entity List of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This prohibited the Chinese smartphone manufacturer from acquiring parts and components from U.S. companies without the approval of the federal government.

Due to the sanctions, Huawei was also forced to abandon certain aspects of Google’s Android mobile operating system, including the Google Play Store and G Suite integration.

However, according to Counterpoint Research, Huawei was still able to overtake Apple in terms of global smartphone sales last year, despite the challenges that it faced. The company was able to take almost 40% market share in its home market of China, which accounted for more than 60% of its shipments.

Huawei shipped 238.5 million units in 2019, improving 16% from 205.3 million units in 2018. In comparison, Samsung, still the leader with shipments of 296.5 million units, saw a 2% increase in shipments from 291.8 million units. Meanwhile, Apple, down to third place, shipped 196.2 million units last year, down 5% from 206.3 million units in 2018.

Counterpoint Research noted that Apple was able to take the top spot in global smartphone sales in the fourth quarter of 2019, for the first time in two years. This was due to the popularity of the iPhone 11, which exceeded expectations.

Canalys, which also placed Huawei in second place ahead of Apple in 2019 global smartphone sales, said that last year could have seen Huawei attempt to challenge Samsung for the top spot in the industry. With the sanctions in place, that wasn’t possible, and it remains to be seen if and when the company will be able to gather momentum for another run at the crown.

Digital Trends’ Greg Nibler recently sat down with Tim Danks, Huawei’s vice president of risk management and partner relations, who said recent suggestions that the company will abandon Google’s Android were false. According to Danks, if the restrictions are lifted, Huawei plans to continue forward with Android.

However, Danks confirmed that if Huawei is forced to drop Android, the company has a Plan B. Huawei is investigating alternative options, including using its own Harmony OS or continuing with the open-source Android in its current smartphones without heavy Google integration.

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received an NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was four years old, and he has been fascinated…
Apple just admitted defeat to Android phones
A Google Pixel 8 Pro in Porcelain (left) with an iPhone 15 Pro in Blue Titanium held in hand.

For years, Apple’s smartphones have held a decisive upper hand over Android devices in one crucial aspect: the longevity of the software support cycle. In a nutshell, as long as your phone keeps getting updates, it will run just about fine.

Brand assurances play a crucial role in buyer behavior, as long-term update support means your phone will not only get new tricks but also security flaws patched. Notably, Apple is not into the habit of quoting how many years it will offer software support for each device, but it has held the crown for a while.

Read more
I spent five days wearing an Apple Watch clone, and now I’m angry
A person wearing the Huawei Watch Fit 3.

The Huawei Watch Fit 3 really makes me angry. Not because of the way it works or anything it does, but because of its lazy design, which makes it look like an Apple Watch.

It’s not a passing resemblance, it’s not subtle, and no one will need the similarities pointed out to get what I’m talking about. It’s a straight clone, and it’s extremely disappointing. What makes it worse is that the Huawei Watch Fit 3 is actually a very good smartwatch underneath — assuming you can get past its Apple Watch "inspiration."
An undeniable Apple Watch clone
Apple Watch Series 9 (left) and Huawei Watch Fit 3 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
iPhone Flip: what we know about Apple’s first foldable phone
Folding iPhone concept from iOS Beta News.

In the past few years, Samsung has become one of the leading manufacturers of foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Though it's not the only brand making foldable devices, it offers the most mainstream and available options, especially in the U.S. That leads to the question of whether Apple will follow suit with a foldable iPhone — or even an iPad.

There have been long-standing rumors that Apple could be working on such a device, including a foldable iPhone, which we'll call "iPhone Flip" for now. Apple's a secretive company, so there may very well be at least some research and development taking place on such a device. But, of course, this continues to just be all speculation for now. From the latest news, rumors, and reports, here's everything we know so far about Apple's folding iPhone.
iPhone Flip: design and display

Read more