Apple has surpassed former market leader Microsoft—which includes Nokia’s devices units—to become the second-largest manufacturer of mobile handsets worldwide.

Apple now is right behind Samsung in handset shipments, despite having entered the mobile phone market late in 2007.

“This is a very impressive achievement for a company with the highest average selling price per handset in the industry,” says Daniel Gleeson, senior analyst for mobile devices at IHS. “Apple sells premium devices for over $600 each whereas the average selling price of a Nokia handset was 93% less at just $45.”

In Q3 of 2014, Samsung held 23% of the global handset market volume, compared to 12% for Nokia/Microsoft and 9% for Apple.

Wayne Lam, senior analyst of mobile electronics at IHS says, “Apple’s growth proves that today’s mobile handset leaders’ position on top isn’t safe”.

“While Apple’s ascent is remarkable, it also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change,” Lam adds.

For example, Motorola and Blackberry are two brands that have quickly dropped in the past few years.

“Samsung is showing signs of weakness with its handset shipments flat for the past two years,” Lam states. “Apple too must be wary of new competitive threats if it is to maintain its position. Both risk losing share to the fast-growing brands from China, such as Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei.”

Question or comment on this article? Contact an editor: engineering360editors@ihs.com