How Many Markets Does Apple Dominate? The Answer Might Shock You

The iPhone recently took the crown to become the world’s top-selling smartphone. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Apple (AAPL +1.54%) has long been an enigma in the smartphone market. For many years, the iPhone has been the leader in terms of global revenue and operating profits. For example, in 2024, Apple captured 46% of global smartphone revenue despite accounting for just 28% of unit sales. That shouldn’t be surprising since Apple has also commanded the highest average selling price (ASP) in the industry, at $903 — the highest ever recorded.

In 2025, Apple added the final gem to its crown, becoming the top-selling smartphone brand, outpacing all comers with 20% of the market, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 17 was a big driver, as was Apple’s expansion in emerging and mid-sized markets and a stronger product mix, according to the report.

Yet investors might be surprised to learn just how many markets Apple dominates.

Image source: Getty Images.

AirPods

Among the latest additions to Apple’s growing product lineup, AirPods were initially released less than a decade ago, yet have become a big hit for the company. AirPods lead the true wireless stereo (TWS) market with an estimated 21% of the market in 2025, more than its next three competitors combined.

The latest edition of the device — AirPods Pro 3 — was released in September and boasts better noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and longer battery life. The upgrades are expected to appeal to audiophiles, allowing Apple to gain even more market share.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch was released to rave reviews when it launched in 2015, earning the title “the best smartwatch you can buy,” at least for anyone with an iPhone. Yet this was just the beginning for the groundbreaking device. By 2019, less than five years later, the company shipped 30.7 million units, as the Apple Watch outsold the entire Swiss watch industry by nearly 10 million units.

Apple continues to…

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