The Pixel 9 series has shown remarkable growth in the US smartphone market, challenging the dominance of Apple’s iPhone. According to data from StatCounter, The Pixel 9’s market share has risen since September 2024, coinciding with a notable drop in Apple’s US presence. This shift is significant, particularly as Apple’s latest iPhone 16 series was released on September 20.
Pixel 9 gains momentum as iPhone slips
The data highlights a clear trend. StatCounter’s graph shows the Pixel 9’s market share steadily increasing throughout September and October, while Apple’s iPhone share dropped. This unexpected growth for Pixel, Google’s flagship phone, began just a week after the Pixel 9 launch and continued despite the arrival of Apple’s newest models. This shift has added momentum to Google’s Pixel line, which has previously lagged behind iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy series in the US market.
Google’s recent third-quarter earnings report, which saw a 29% revenue increase in the “Google subscriptions, platforms, and devices” category, also indicates the Pixel 9’s strong performance. With the Pixel 9 sales driving growth, Google has captured consumer interest and market share in a competitive landscape. Analysts note that Pixel’s gains align with a broader trend of consumers exploring alternatives to Apple’s iPhone, particularly as it competes with premium Android models.
Samsung’s stable position amid shifting market
While the Pixel 9’s market share in the US rose and Apple’s fell, Samsung’s market share has remained stable, suggesting consistent demand for its Galaxy line. Despite significant shifts in Apple and Google’s standings, Samsung has managed to maintain a strong position. StatCounter data reveals that Samsung’s share has stayed relatively constant since early 2024, even as the Pixel 9 made notable gains.
Although the Pixel 9 remains behind Apple and Samsung in overall US market share, its recent growth suggests Google could close the gap in the future. The Pixel 9’s success may signal a shift in consumer preferences, with more buyers looking at Google’s devices as viable alternatives to iPhone and Samsung. If this trend continues, the upcoming Pixel 10 could further bolster Google’s place in the competitive smartphone market.
