Apple’s on track to knock Samsung off its perch

iPhone sales are on the up. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Android

iPhone sales are on the up. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Android

Apple is close to becoming the world’s top smartphone maker for the first time since it conceded the title to Samsung more than three years ago. The Cupertino company is selling more iPhones than ever before, while Samsung’s smartphone sales are slowing.

After calling out for a larger iPhone for years, Apple fans finally got what they were asking for in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last fall. Not only are the duo Apple’s largest smartphones to date, but they’re also on track to become its biggest in terms of sales.

They’re selling so well, in fact, that they’re helping Apple close a gaping hole between itself and Samsung that started opening up in the third quarter of 2011, when Samsung’s smartphone sales surpassed Apple’s for the first time.

For Samsung, it doesn’t help that it is now losing out in emerging markets like China and India, where local manufacturers like Xiaomi have begun offering better low-cost devices. On top of that, flagships like the Galaxy S5 and even the Galaxy Alpha — the first Samsung phone made out of metal — have been falling short of their sales expectations.

Samsung’s hoping to turn things around with the Galaxy S6, which is expected to be its most significant Galaxy S refresh in years. Recent rumors have promised not only the best specifications available, but also a brand new design made out of premium materials.

But for now, at least, Apple’s close to claiming back its crown, The Wall Street Journal reports. The company is expected to have shipped between 65 and 70 million handsets during the last quarter of 2014, which is a 30 percent increase over the same period last year.

Apple will announce its actual sales results during an earnings call later today.

As a user of multiple platforms and devices, it’s no surprise that the iPhone could return to top dog. I, like thousands of others, was ditching my iPhone for an Android device with a larger screen last year — but thanks to the latest models, there’s no longer a need to do that.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have it all for the average smartphone consumer. Their attractive designs are combined with great displays, fantastic cameras, unique features like Apple Pay and Touch ID, and simple software.

Unless you’re unhappy or bored with iOS, then, why would you switch?