Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. is forecast to reclaim the top spot in the global smartphone market this year, overtaking U.S. rival Apple Inc., an industry report showed Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Samsung's smartphone shipments are expected to rise about 0.8 percent from a year earlier, while Apple's shipments are projected to decline by 2.1 percent this year. This shift is largely attributed to Samsung's expansive product portfolio and geographically diversified business operations. The company's in-house component sourcing and robust carrier and distribution networks have also played a critical role in enhancing its competitiveness, especially amidst ongoing supply chain uncertainties.

Conversely, Apple is contending with potential price hikes for its upcoming iPhone 18 series and adjustments in launch schedules for individual models. Furthermore, Apple's anticipated introduction of its first foldable iPhone in the third quarter, with initial shipments estimated to be only a few million units, is unlikely to significantly impact the overall shipment trends by 2026, as per the latest findings.