According to data from Counterpoint Research, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone shipments are seen falling until the iPhone 16 is launched later in the year.
The firm said that in Europe, smartphone shipments finally resumed growth in the first quarter of 2024, although they are cautiously optimistic for the year ahead.
"European smartphone shipments rose 10% YoY in Q1 2024, finally putting an end to a string of YoY declines going back to Q3 2021,' said Counterpoint.
Samsung was said to have regained top spot from Apple in Q1 helped by the well-received Galaxy S24 series, while in Central and Eastern Europe, Samsung regained the number one spot from Xiaomi for the first time since Q1 2022.
Analysts at Counterpoint said, "It is heartening to see the European market finally return to growth, although one should not get too excited given how poor 2023 was.
"Nevertheless, macroeconomic conditions in the region are improving, and some impressive new devices, especially from the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi and HONOR, have brought renewed optimism to the market."
Meanwhile, Apple's shipments declined by 1% year-on-year, with iPhone 15 sales continuing to tail off due to seasonality, according to Counterpoint.
"With no iPhone SE expected in 2024, shipments should continue to drop until the launch of the iPhone 16 later in the year," they conclude.