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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 148 (from laksa148)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa148.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp","crawl_time":1776206858,"first_indexed_time":1512000957,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,investopedia!www,\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp s443","src_root_hash":"7273739457760125548","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Apple and Samsung Compare...and Coexist","meta_descriptions":["Discover how Apple and Samsung compare across smartphones, software, and strategy, along with why these tech giants still rely on each other behind the scenes."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nApple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization.\nSamsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP.\nThe majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones.\nSamsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors.\nGet personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.\nApple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP.\nAs consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry.\nPhoning It In\nApple's (\nAAPL\n) sales have steadily increased, rising from $294.87 billion in 2024 to $307.00 billion in 2025.\nThese figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content.\nSamsung's revenue jumped to roughly $221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about $199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024.\nNote that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions:\nDevice Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A\/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America\nThe Device Solutions division refers to\nsemiconductors,\nintegrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices.\nHuge Margin on iPhones\nApple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash.\nSamsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's\noperating profit\nis primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience.\nSamsung and Apple continue to vie for\nmarket share\n, with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%.\nFast Fact\nApple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%.\nThat being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide.\nOn Store Shelves and in the Courts\nIn 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology.\nThe companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a $929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay $539 million in damages.\nApple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S..\nA Symbiotic Relationship?\nApple and Samsung\nhave a\nlucrative\nand symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries.\nAt one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts.\nSamsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere.\nThat’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (\nTSM\n) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor.\nAlthough it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens.\nHow Do Apple and Samsung Work Together?\nDespite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale.\nWho Is Apple's Biggest Competitor?\nWhen it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%.\nWhy Are Apple and Samsung Rivals?\nAs two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features.\nThe Bottom Line\nApple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#main)\n\n[Investopedia](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/)\n\n[Trade](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/simulator\/?inv_to_sim=global_nav)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp)\n\nPlease fill out this field.\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/news-4427706)\n  News\n  \n  - [Markets](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/markets-news-4427704)\n  - [Companies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/company-news-4427705)\n  - [Earnings](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/earnings-reports-5218419)\n  - [CD Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/certificates-deposit-news-7111770)\n  - [Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/mortgage-rates-5184598)\n  - [Economy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economic-news-5218422)\n  - 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[Best Life Insurance](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-life-insurance-companies-8763666)\n  - [Best Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/mortgage-rates-5094943)\n  - [Best Robo-Advisors](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-robo-advisors-8764849)\n  - [Best Personal Loans](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-personal-loans-8761582)\n  - [Best Debt Relief Companies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-debt-relief-companies-8763179)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-product-reviews-7110783)\n\n- Top Stories\n- [How Many People Achieve \\$1M in Retirement Savings](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-many-people-really-achieve-usd1-million-in-retirement-savings-11947173)\n- [Nearly 60% Skip Medical Treatment Due to High Costs](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/nearly-60-skip-medical-treatment-due-to-high-costs-what-you-can-do-to-manage-your-health-and-budget-11947168)\n- [Retirement Planning by Generation: Compare Your Readiness](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-the-generation-differ-in-retirement-planning-and-what-you-can-learn-to-save-more-11947167)\n- [Average Income by Work Experience Compared](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/average-income-by-work-experience-uncovered-are-you-paid-what-you-deserve-11947171)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nExpand\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Phoning It In](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-phoning-it-in)\n- [Huge Margin on iPhones](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-huge-margin-on-iphones)\n- [On Shelves, In Court](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-on-store-shelves-and-in-the-courts)\n- [A Symbiotic Relationship?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-a-symbiotic-relationship)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-how-do-apple-and-samsung-work-together)\n- [The Bottom Line](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-the-bottom-line)\n\n# How Apple and Samsung Compare...and Coexist\nBy\n\n[Greg McFarlane](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/contributors\/618\/)\n\n![]()\n\n![](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/GsxSr_PTyxYyvLN-rU-kVZ-sPX0=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/picture-53123-1373558662-5bfc2aad46e0fb00260143c2.png)\n\n[Full Bio](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/contributors\/618\/)\n\nGreg McFarlane is a financial writer and co-founder of ControlYourCash.com. He is also the co-author of Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense.\n\nLearn about our  [editorial policies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#editorial-policy)\n\nUpdated April 01, 2026\n\nReviewed by [Akhilesh Ganti](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/akhilesh-ganti-4590113)\n\nFact checked by\n\n[Suzanne Kvilhaug](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/suzanne-kvilhaug-5197828)\n\n![Suzanne Kvilhaug]()\n\n![Suzanne Kvilhaug](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/znbFHeELuyfkeore2XU_GHw2QaM=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/SuzannesHeadshot-3dcd99dc3f2e405e8bd37271894491ac.jpg)\n\nFact checked by Suzanne Kvilhaug\n\n[Full Bio](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/suzanne-kvilhaug-5197828)\n\nSuzanne is a content marketer, writer, and fact-checker. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from Bridgewater State University and helps develop content strategies.\n\nLearn about our  [editorial policies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#editorial-policy)\n\n![A Samsung and Apple smartphone are displayed](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/7SeqB43xOtQbidNI_3vUiR19owY=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-453245634-12d76f91f7e74ce0a27209fb8ce290db.jpg)\n\n![A Samsung and Apple smartphone are displayed](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/7SeqB43xOtQbidNI_3vUiR19owY=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-453245634-12d76f91f7e74ce0a27209fb8ce290db.jpg)\n\nGetty Images, Peter Macdiarmid \/ Staff\n\nClose\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Apple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization.\n- Samsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP.\n- The majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones.\n- Samsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors.\n\nGet personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.\n\nASK\n\nApple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP. As consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry.\n\n## Phoning It In\nApple's ([AAPL](http:\/\/aapl\/)) sales have steadily increased, rising from \\$294.87 billion in 2024 to \\$307.00 billion in 2025. These figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content.\n\nSamsung's revenue jumped to roughly \\$221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about \\$199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024.\n\nNote that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions:\n\n- Device Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A\/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America\n- The Device Solutions division refers to [semiconductors,](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/semiconductor.asp) integrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices.\n## Huge Margin on iPhones\nApple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash.\n\nSamsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's [operating profit](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/o\/operating_profit.asp) is primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience.\n\nSamsung and Apple continue to vie for [market share](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/marketshare.asp), with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%.\n\n### Fast Fact\nApple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%.\n\nThat being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide.\n\n## On Store Shelves and in the Courts\nIn 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology.\n\nThe companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a \\$929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay \\$539 million in damages.\n\nApple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S..\n\n## A Symbiotic Relationship?\n[Apple and Samsung](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/110315\/samsung-vs-apple-comparing-business-models.asp) have a [lucrative](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/l\/lucrative.asp) and symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries.\n\nAt one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts.\n\nSamsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere.\n\nThat’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ([TSM](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/markets\/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=tsm)) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor.\n\nAlthough it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens.\n\n## How Do Apple and Samsung Work Together?\nDespite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale.\n\n## Who Is Apple's Biggest Competitor?\nWhen it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%.\n\n## Why Are Apple and Samsung Rivals?\nAs two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features.\n## The Bottom Line\nApple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more.\n\nGet personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.\n\nASK\n\nArticle Sources\n\nInvestopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our [editorial policy.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#EditorialPolicy)\n\n1. Statista. \"[South Korea GDP, 1987-2030.](https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/263579\/gross-domestic-product-gdp-in-south-korea\/)\"\n2. Apple. \"[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https:\/\/d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net\/CIK-0000320193\/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf),\" Page 29.\n3. Apple. \"[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https:\/\/d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net\/CIK-0000320193\/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf),\" Page 22.\n4. Samsung Newsroom. \"[Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2025 Results](https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/global\/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2025-results).\"\n5. Samsung Newsroom. \"[Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2024 Results.](https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/global\/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2024-results)\"\n6. Samsung. \"[Fast Facts: Main Business Areas](https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/global\/fast-facts).\"\n7. Counterpoint. \"[Global Smartphone Market Share: Quarterly](https:\/\/counterpointresearch.com\/en\/insights\/global-smartphone-share).\"\n8. Apple. \"[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https:\/\/d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net\/CIK-0000320193\/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf),\" Page 24.\n9. CNET. \"[Apple to Samsung: Cough Up \\$15.7 Million in Legal Fees](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news\/apple-to-samsung-cough-up-15-7-million-for-legal-fees\/).\"\n10. BBC. \"[Apple Awarded \\$539 Million in U.S. Patent Case Against Samsung](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/business-44248404).\"\n11. Supreme Court of the United States. \"[Samsung Electronics Co., LTD., et al v. Apple Inc.](https:\/\/www.supremecourt.gov\/opinions\/16pdf\/15-777_7lho.pdf)\"\n12. Apple, Inc. \"[Supplier List](https:\/\/www.apple.com\/supplier-responsibility\/pdf\/Apple-Supplier-List.pdf).\"\n13. The Motley Fool. \"[Apple Inc. Becomes Samsung Group's Biggest Customer](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/general\/2015\/04\/16\/apple-inc-becomes-samsung-groups-biggest-customer.aspx).\"\n14. CNBC. \"[Inside Apple's Chip Lab, Home to the Most 'Profound Change' at the Company in Decades](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2023\/12\/01\/how-apple-makes-its-own-chips-for-iphone-and-mac-edging-out-intel.html).\"\n15. PC Magazine. \"[Apple Will Be More Reliant on Samsung Display for iPhone 15 Production](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/news\/apple-will-be-more-reliant-on-samsung-display-for-iphone-15-production).\"\n\nRead more\n\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/business-4689640)\n- [Business Leaders](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/business-leaders-4689830)\n- [Rich & Powerful](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/rich-and-powerful-4689827)\n\nPartner Links\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Honoree Carlos Slim Helu walks to the stage during the Sophia Awards of Excellence]() ![Honoree Carlos Slim Helu walks to the stage during the Sophia Awards of Excellence](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/kerKwMcazTUOvu3vRfMQqZpwNUk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-13888684741-af2ff6261fa745cd8ee0197c9c563513.jpg) The 5 Wealthiest People in Mexico](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/012315\/5-wealthiest-people-mexico.asp)\n\n[![Bill Gates smiling while on a panel.]() ![Bill Gates smiling while on a panel.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/0JYs0pSE5pj9vVQ5IqeTteHA-RI=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2151909132-17fc5847200f4f108dd54d0877d22467.jpg) Inside Bill Gates's Investment Portfolio: Top Stocks to Know](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/101215\/what-bill-gatess-portfolio-looks.asp)\n\n[![Elon Musk, seated and wearing a gray suit and white tailored shirt.]() ![Elon Musk, seated and wearing a gray suit and white tailored shirt.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/G8UL45sAhmJIk-JuqqWpHf7kKbo=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/ElonMuskSolarcity2-aa9ddf81b04d4b3b8876906e5e7301e2.jpg) Billionaires Transforming Media Ownership](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/billionaires-who-bought-publishers-5270187)\n\n[![The British Royal Family wave at a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace]() ![The British Royal Family wave at a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/YCNApg8MHspS_q-kFxxBt7TgiPc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-476957156-8ce86f66bb3e40059b8bfef92272ec0d.jpg) How Wealthy Is the British Royal Family?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/british-royal-family-wealth-6741349)\n\n[![Tesla CEO Elon Musk at an event.]() ![Tesla CEO Elon Musk at an event.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/WdF-rPcRYEur1jTRycqG6YHOndk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1258741760-1bc7f77d4aa14907a27e7a265a55e314.jpg) The 10 Richest People in the World](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/012715\/5-richest-people-world.asp)\n\n[![Elon Musk smiling dressed in a suit and tie]() ![Elon Musk smiling dressed in a suit and tie](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/3NdZ3r2saZAFvWbeugR1Xo-orvs=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2194358323-af4872e3a5224815b199a1760967788e.jpg) U.S. Tops List of Nations with Most Billionaires Worldwide](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/3000-billionaires-live-worldwide-yet-one-nation-leads-the-pack-11815090)\n\n[![The Intel logo displayed outside of an Intel office in Santa Clara, California]() ![The Intel logo displayed outside of an Intel office in Santa Clara, California](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/Vy3S_UXnRt-S9yRw9bSmO0kDpgw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-103459517-58df1a44b3d14a9aa8a7aa2c14bbc1d9-5ed1ab033eee439b9565bc598770e0b2.jpg) Intel: In-House Fabrication and Market Challenges](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/100214\/inside-intel-look-mega-chipmaker.asp)\n\n[![Rear view of business workers looking through high rise office building window]() ![Rear view of business workers looking through high rise office building window](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/NhEiZiUyDhU0opVX87Fs_rXM9zk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-598294747-b4cc8368a63440418700c39844186d01.jpg) Who Will Become the World’s First Trillionaire? Factors and Predictions](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-edge\/0211\/the-first-trillionaire.aspx)\n\n[![]() ![](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/zv4ErlXQsxcCxtwZvnvsN7G-FD8=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/bonds-lrg-2-5bfc2b24c9e77c00519a93b5.jpg) George Soros: Insights From a Legendary Investor](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/financial-theory\/09\/how-soros-does-it.asp)\n\n[![Warren Buffett]() ![Warren Buffett](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/Szbusxp6okwmHHXwHqdTgLdjkbQ=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-632209544-f291e0db35db469dac353605e923d6ce.jpg) How Frugal Billionaires Like Buffett and Zuckerberg Build Wealth](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-edge\/0412\/the-everyday-lives-of-frugal-billionaires.aspx)\n\n[![]() ![](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/M3sWtfQQ2Akz7xTyVw7OeysxKCI=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/thinkstockphotos_80410231-5bfc2b97c9e77c0026b4fb20.jpg) Top 9 Renowned Hedge Fund Managers Shaping Wall Street](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/042015\/10-most-famous-hedge-fund-managers.asp)\n\n[![Sir Richard Branson speaks after he flew into space aboard a Virgin Galactic vessel]() ![Sir Richard Branson speaks after he flew into space aboard a Virgin Galactic vessel](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/Vs958Ar1ZF6u8t234DpM7K4eCx4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1233924777-f698a6f4654b4390a1dfb4afe46400f4.jpg) Richard Branson's Journey to Billionaire Status](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/032615\/how-did-richard-branson-make-his-fortune.asp)\n\n[![A gift of US cash.]() ![A gift of US cash.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/Ih1jXRWZ9DJ0pDp8AiSUeyrzsk4=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-954343262-9ec5121578524bf7b40fc283330e4b06.jpg) 6 Companies Owned by the Koch Brothers](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/insights\/companies-owned-koch-brothers\/)\n\n[![Warren Buffett]() ![Warren Buffett](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/LdZGSP_4_Y01vJlZJVlXjAiIQHY=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-893197718-1862ea7258584333b5985db377ce8b85.jpg) Warren Buffett's Stock Picking Strategy: 5 Key Clues](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/081114\/how-does-warren-buffett-choose-what-companies-buy.asp)\n\n[![FAANG Stocks]() ![FAANG Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/VszqE8GgPSGVewX8z5jhPOwG-oo=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Faang-6c2ec47f3e264bc691dc69f8854219a2.png) What Are FAANG Stocks? Companies and Definitions Explained](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/f\/faang-stocks.asp)\n\n[![]() ![](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/M3sWtfQQ2Akz7xTyVw7OeysxKCI=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/thinkstockphotos_80410231-5bfc2b97c9e77c0026b4fb20.jpg) Google's Main Competitors: Microsoft, Netflix, and More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/120314\/who-are-googles-goog-main-competitors.asp)\n\n[Investopedia](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/)\n\n[Newsletter Sign Up](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/102714\/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/news-4427706)\n- [Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing-4427685)\n- [Simulator](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/simulator\/?inv_to_sim=global_nav)\n- [Banking](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/banking-4427754)\n- [Personal Finance](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/personal-finance-4427760)\n- [Economy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economy-4689801)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-product-reviews-7110783)\n- [Dictionary](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-term-dictionary-4769738)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/about-us-5093223)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#toc-editorial-policy)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/support.investopedia.com\/contactus)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n\n- [\\#](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-num-4769350)\n- [A](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-a-4769351)\n- [B](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-b-4769352)\n- [C](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-c-4769353)\n- [D](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-d-4769354)\n- [E](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-e-4769355)\n- [F](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-f-4769356)\n- [G](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-g-4769357)\n- [H](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-h-4769358)\n- [I](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-i-4769359)\n- [J](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-j-4769360)\n- [K](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-k-4769361)\n- [L](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-l-4769362)\n- [M](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-m-4769363)\n- [N](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-n-4769364)\n- [O](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-o-4769365)\n- [P](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-p-4769366)\n- [Q](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-q-4769367)\n- [R](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-r-4769368)\n- [S](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-s-4769369)\n- [T](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-t-4769370)\n- [U](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-u-4769371)\n- [V](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-v-4769372)\n- [W](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-w-4769373)\n- [X](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-x-4769374)\n- [Y](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-y-4769375)\n- [Z](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-z-4769376)\n\nInvestopedia is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nNewsletter Sign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Apple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization.\n- Samsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP.\n- The majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones.\n- Samsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors.\n\nGet personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.\n\nApple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP. As consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry.\n\n## Phoning It In\nApple's ([AAPL](http:\/\/aapl\/)) sales have steadily increased, rising from \\$294.87 billion in 2024 to \\$307.00 billion in 2025. These figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content.\n\nSamsung's revenue jumped to roughly \\$221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about \\$199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024.\n\nNote that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions:\n\n- Device Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A\/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America\n- The Device Solutions division refers to [semiconductors,](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/semiconductor.asp) integrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices.\n## Huge Margin on iPhones\nApple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash.\n\nSamsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's [operating profit](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/o\/operating_profit.asp) is primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience.\n\nSamsung and Apple continue to vie for [market share](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/m\/marketshare.asp), with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%.\n\n### Fast Fact\nApple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%.\n\nThat being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide.\n\n## On Store Shelves and in the Courts\nIn 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology.\n\nThe companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a \\$929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay \\$539 million in damages.\n\nApple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S..\n\n## A Symbiotic Relationship?\n[Apple and Samsung](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/markets\/110315\/samsung-vs-apple-comparing-business-models.asp) have a [lucrative](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/l\/lucrative.asp) and symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries.\n\nAt one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts.\n\nSamsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere.\n\nThat’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ([TSM](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/markets\/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=tsm)) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor.\n\nAlthough it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens.\n\n## How Do Apple and Samsung Work Together?\nDespite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale.\n\n## Who Is Apple's Biggest Competitor?\nWhen it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%.\n\n## Why Are Apple and Samsung Rivals?\nAs two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features.\n## The Bottom Line\nApple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp
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Meta Title	How Apple and Samsung Compare...and Coexist
Meta Description	Discover how Apple and Samsung compare across smartphones, software, and strategy, along with why these tech giants still rely on each other behind the scenes.
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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Apple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization. Samsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP. The majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones. Samsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Apple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP. As consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry. Phoning It In Apple's ( AAPL ) sales have steadily increased, rising from $294.87 billion in 2024 to $307.00 billion in 2025. These figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content. Samsung's revenue jumped to roughly $221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about $199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024. Note that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions: Device Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America The Device Solutions division refers to semiconductors, integrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices. Huge Margin on iPhones Apple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash. Samsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's operating profit is primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience. Samsung and Apple continue to vie for market share , with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%. Fast Fact Apple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%. That being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide. On Store Shelves and in the Courts In 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology. The companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a $929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay $539 million in damages. Apple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S.. A Symbiotic Relationship? Apple and Samsung have a lucrative and symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries. At one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts. Samsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere. That’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ( TSM ) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor. Although it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens. How Do Apple and Samsung Work Together? Despite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale. Who Is Apple's Biggest Competitor? When it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%. Why Are Apple and Samsung Rivals? As two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features. The Bottom Line Apple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more.
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[Average Income by Work Experience Compared](https://www.investopedia.com/average-income-by-work-experience-uncovered-are-you-paid-what-you-deserve-11947171) Table of Contents Expand Table of Contents - [Phoning It In](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-phoning-it-in) - [Huge Margin on iPhones](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-huge-margin-on-iphones) - [On Shelves, In Court](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-on-store-shelves-and-in-the-courts) - [A Symbiotic Relationship?](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-a-symbiotic-relationship) - [FAQs](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-how-do-apple-and-samsung-work-together) - [The Bottom Line](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/102714/how-apple-and-samsung-compare-and-coexist.asp#toc-the-bottom-line) # How Apple and Samsung Compare...and Coexist By [Greg McFarlane](https://www.investopedia.com/contributors/618/) ![]() ![](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/GsxSr_PTyxYyvLN-rU-kVZ-sPX0=/200x200/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/picture-53123-1373558662-5bfc2aad46e0fb00260143c2.png) [Full Bio](https://www.investopedia.com/contributors/618/) Greg McFarlane is a financial writer and co-founder of ControlYourCash.com. He is also the co-author of Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense. Learn about our [editorial policies](https://www.investopedia.com/legal-4768893#editorial-policy) Updated April 01, 2026 Reviewed by [Akhilesh Ganti](https://www.investopedia.com/akhilesh-ganti-4590113) Fact checked by [Suzanne Kvilhaug](https://www.investopedia.com/suzanne-kvilhaug-5197828) ![Suzanne Kvilhaug]() ![Suzanne Kvilhaug](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/znbFHeELuyfkeore2XU_GHw2QaM=/200x200/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/SuzannesHeadshot-3dcd99dc3f2e405e8bd37271894491ac.jpg) Fact checked by Suzanne Kvilhaug [Full Bio](https://www.investopedia.com/suzanne-kvilhaug-5197828) Suzanne is a content marketer, writer, and fact-checker. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from Bridgewater State University and helps develop content strategies. Learn about our [editorial policies](https://www.investopedia.com/legal-4768893#editorial-policy) ![A Samsung and Apple smartphone are displayed](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/7SeqB43xOtQbidNI_3vUiR19owY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-453245634-12d76f91f7e74ce0a27209fb8ce290db.jpg) ![A Samsung and Apple smartphone are displayed](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/7SeqB43xOtQbidNI_3vUiR19owY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-453245634-12d76f91f7e74ce0a27209fb8ce290db.jpg) Getty Images, Peter Macdiarmid / Staff Close ### Key Takeaways - Apple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization. - Samsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP. - The majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones. - Samsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. ASK Apple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP. As consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry. ## Phoning It In Apple's ([AAPL](http://aapl/)) sales have steadily increased, rising from \$294.87 billion in 2024 to \$307.00 billion in 2025. These figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content. Samsung's revenue jumped to roughly \$221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about \$199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024. Note that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions: - Device Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America - The Device Solutions division refers to [semiconductors,](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/semiconductor.asp) integrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices. ## Huge Margin on iPhones Apple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash. Samsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's [operating profit](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operating_profit.asp) is primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience. Samsung and Apple continue to vie for [market share](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marketshare.asp), with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%. ### Fast Fact Apple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%. That being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide. ## On Store Shelves and in the Courts In 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology. The companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a \$929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay \$539 million in damages. Apple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S.. ## A Symbiotic Relationship? [Apple and Samsung](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/110315/samsung-vs-apple-comparing-business-models.asp) have a [lucrative](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lucrative.asp) and symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries. At one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts. Samsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere. That’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ([TSM](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=tsm)) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor. Although it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens. ## How Do Apple and Samsung Work Together? Despite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale. ## Who Is Apple's Biggest Competitor? When it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%. ## Why Are Apple and Samsung Rivals? As two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features. ## The Bottom Line Apple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. ASK Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our [editorial policy.](https://www.investopedia.com/legal-4768893#EditorialPolicy) 1. Statista. "[South Korea GDP, 1987-2030.](https://www.statista.com/statistics/263579/gross-domestic-product-gdp-in-south-korea/)" 2. Apple. "[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000320193/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf)," Page 29. 3. Apple. "[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000320193/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf)," Page 22. 4. Samsung Newsroom. "[Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2025 Results](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2025-results)." 5. Samsung Newsroom. "[Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2024 Results.](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2024-results)" 6. Samsung. "[Fast Facts: Main Business Areas](https://news.samsung.com/global/fast-facts)." 7. Counterpoint. "[Global Smartphone Market Share: Quarterly](https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/global-smartphone-share)." 8. Apple. "[Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2025](https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000320193/c24e7a28-5254-4dfa-9447-62aaa3c24bb1.pdf)," Page 24. 9. CNET. "[Apple to Samsung: Cough Up \$15.7 Million in Legal Fees](https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-to-samsung-cough-up-15-7-million-for-legal-fees/)." 10. BBC. "[Apple Awarded \$539 Million in U.S. Patent Case Against Samsung](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-44248404)." 11. Supreme Court of the United States. "[Samsung Electronics Co., LTD., et al v. Apple Inc.](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/16pdf/15-777_7lho.pdf)" 12. Apple, Inc. "[Supplier List](https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/pdf/Apple-Supplier-List.pdf)." 13. The Motley Fool. "[Apple Inc. Becomes Samsung Group's Biggest Customer](https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/04/16/apple-inc-becomes-samsung-groups-biggest-customer.aspx)." 14. CNBC. "[Inside Apple's Chip Lab, Home to the Most 'Profound Change' at the Company in Decades](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/01/how-apple-makes-its-own-chips-for-iphone-and-mac-edging-out-intel.html)." 15. PC Magazine. "[Apple Will Be More Reliant on Samsung Display for iPhone 15 Production](https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-will-be-more-reliant-on-samsung-display-for-iphone-15-production)." 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Apple is among the top five companies in the world by market capitalization. - Samsung is another global powerhouse that makes a significant contribution to South Korea's GDP. - The majority of Apple's sales are derived from its iPhones. - Samsung's smartphones account for most of its sales, but the bulk of its operating profit comes from semiconductors. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Apple is among the top five most valuable public companies. Samsung is more of an enterprise, though, contributing a significant part of South Korea's GDP. As consumer electronics giants, they compete, but are also intertwined through suppliers that underpin their global success. Although they don't need each other to thrive, their partnership proves that smart competition, powered by strategic cooperation, elevates each. In this article, we compare the two companies and how they exist in the same industry. ## Phoning It In Apple's ([AAPL](http://aapl/)) sales have steadily increased, rising from \$294.87 billion in 2024 to \$307.00 billion in 2025. These figures were driven largely by sales of the company's iPhones and Services, including AppleCare, Cloud Services, and its digital content. Samsung's revenue jumped to roughly \$221.21 billion (KRW 333.6 trillion) in 2025 from about \$199.45 billion (KRW 300.9 trillion) in 2024. Note that Samsung Electronics, the entity referred to as “Samsung” in this article, isn't just an Asian analog to Apple. It has two primary divisions: - Device Experience means mobile devices, computers, TVs, appliances, and A/Cs. These include Samsung's cell phones and tablets, at least in North America - The Device Solutions division refers to [semiconductors,](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/semiconductor.asp) integrated circuits, LED panels, hard drives, and other components, rather than standalone devices. ## Huge Margin on iPhones Apple's iPhones and MacBooks are its main money makers. The phones outsell the laptops by far, but the massive margins on the latter make the race more or less a wash. Samsung’s profit center tells a different story. The company's [operating profit](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operating_profit.asp) is primarily driven by its Device Solutions segment, thanks to solid demand for its semiconductors. Samsung said expansion in AI is expected to contribute to favorable market conditions. Increased competition is making revenue growth challenging for Samsung's Device Experience. Samsung and Apple continue to vie for [market share](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marketshare.asp), with Samsung leading at one point. Apple closed that gap, topping its rival as of the fourth quarter of 2025, with 25% of the smartphone market compared to Samsung's 18%. ### Fast Fact Apple's gross margin as a percentage of revenue in the 2025 fiscal year was 46.9%. That being said, other departments have begun to account for a greater portion of Samsung’s profits in recent quarters. It’s the oft-overlooked semiconductor unit that is leading the charge. Data storage is a valuable and increasingly in-demand commodity, and there are only so many places that supply it. In fact, Samsung is one of the biggest memory chip makers worldwide. ## On Store Shelves and in the Courts In 2011, Apple sued Samsung, arguing that the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab ripped off the iPhone and iPad, respectively. Samsung countersued a week later, claiming that Apple stole its wireless networking technology. The companies sued each other half a dozen times that year in courts on four continents. In 2014, Apple won a \$929 million judgment in its initial North American suit, which Samsung then appealed. In 2018, Apple won the lawsuit, and Samsung had to pay \$539 million in damages. Apple also won another lawsuit. That summer, the companies reached a détente of sorts, dropping all suits outside the U.S.. ## A Symbiotic Relationship? [Apple and Samsung](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/110315/samsung-vs-apple-comparing-business-models.asp) have a [lucrative](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lucrative.asp) and symbiotic relationship. Samsung sells parts for the very Apple mobile devices it’s allegedly copying without authorization through its subsidiaries. At one point, Apple was Samsung’s biggest customer for several reasons, some of them strategic. Size means getting the first crack at supply, which means that when demand is high, Apple can increase its orders with Samsung and let smaller competitors worry about where to find parts. Samsung made most of the A4 and A5 processors found in Apple’s mobile devices. But the processors’ heyday was several generations ago. Whether in business or in life, no matter how lucrative and mutually beneficial a hostile partnership is, the principals usually start seeking gratification elsewhere. That’s why Apple announced that it was doing business with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ([TSM](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=tsm)) in the summer of 2014. Apple designs its own processors, all of which are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor. Although it no longer supplies chips, Samsung still makes Apple's phone screens. ## How Do Apple and Samsung Work Together? Despite being longstanding rivals, Samsung supplies Apple OLED displays for its iPhones thanks to its ability to supply these at mass scale. ## Who Is Apple's Biggest Competitor? When it comes to smartphones, Samsung is arguably Apple's top competitor. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Samsung captured 198% of 19% of the global smartphone market while Apple dominated with 25%. ## Why Are Apple and Samsung Rivals? As two major producers of smartphones globally, Apple and Samsung have a rocky history of legal battles and disputes. Both companies have sued each other several times over the last decade for reasons including patent infringement across hardware and software features. ## The Bottom Line Apple is so big that it can live comfortably without Samsung. Similarly, Samsung doesn’t need to be an Apple vendor to flourish. As competitors in the marketplace, they’ve put life-changing electronics in the hands of hundreds of millions. As competitors in the halls of justice, they’ve spent enormous sums of money to assert their dominance. It’s a safe bet that both companies will continue to innovate for decades more.
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