Apple and Samsung’s foothold in the global smartphone market declined in the third quarter as Chinese manufacturers of low-end smartphones continued to gain ground. Three market-share trackers released data today that shows Samsung’s marketshare fall from 35 percent to 24.7 percent during the three months ended on September 30, which is the worst decline since 2011. Xiaomi Inc. rose to third place at 5.6 percent, up from 2.1 percent. The upstart Chinese phone maker’s global handset shipments more than tripled. Apple stayed in second place with a 12.3 percent share, but the company’s marketshare fell from 13.4 percent due to supply problems which held back the shipment of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Xiaomi was founded in 2010 and has been growing quickly by selling inexpensive handsets. The company, which means “Little Rice” in Chinese, has a cult-like following. The company uses social media to help grow its popularity and uses low-cost online distribution channels instead of physical stores.
