For the first time since 2011, Apple Inc is on track to overtake Samsung Electronics as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer. According to new data from Counterpoint Research, this monumental shift in the hierarchy of the mobile technology sector is largely attributed to the robust market debut of the iPhone 17 series. Launched in September, the new line-up has resonated strongly with consumers, particularly in the United States and China, Apple’s most critical markets.

Reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Air, marketed as the thinnest handset in the company’s history, has driven significant interest, with customers forming lengthy queues to acquire the device. This enthusiasm has translated into double-digit year-on-year sales growth in key regions. Counterpoint analyst Yang Wang noted that the reception has been “highly positive,” signalling a potential changing of the guard at the top of the global smartphone table.

Economic Shifts and Upgrade Cycles

Several macroeconomic factors are aligning in Apple’s favour. A cooling of trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, coupled with a depreciating US dollar, has spurred purchasing power in emerging markets. Furthermore, the industry is witnessing a critical inflection point in the replacement cycle. Consumers who purchased devices during the pandemic-driven boom are now entering the upgrade phase. This trend is bolstered by a thriving secondary market, where 358 million second-hand iPhones changed hands between 2023 and the second quarter of 2025, effectively creating a funnel for future new device purchases.

Projections suggest the global smartphone market will expand by 3.3 per cent in 2025, with Apple capturing a 19.4 per cent market share. In contrast, whilst Samsung is expected to see shipment growth of 4.6 per cent, Apple’s shipments are forecast to rise by 10 per cent. Looking further ahead, analysts remain optimistic about Apple’s dominance through 2029, fuelled by the anticipated 2026 release of a foldable iPhone and a budget-oriented iPhone 17e, followed by a comprehensive design overhaul in 2027.

Navigating Interface Limitations

As millions of users upgrade to these new devices, many will re-encounter the specific idiosyncrasies of the iOS ecosystem. Despite the advanced hardware of the iPhone 17, the operating system retains certain limitations compared to its Android and Windows counterparts, most notably regarding clipboard management. There is currently no native history feature on the iPhone; the system stores only one copied item at a time, which is immediately overwritten by the next.

This design choice, whilst secure, can be frustrating for productivity. However, seasoned users have developed methods to circumvent these restrictions using Apple’s built-in tools. One effective workaround involves the Notes app. By establishing a dedicated note, users can manually paste copied text or links sequentially. This creates a permanent record that can be reviewed or edited later, effectively mimicking a history log that the operating system otherwise lacks.

Workarounds for Clipboard Management

For those seeking a more technical solution to view current clipboard contents, the Shortcuts app offers a viable alternative. Users can access the gallery within the app and search for the ‘Adjust Clipboard’ shortcut. Once added to the home screen or widget panel, this tool allows for a quick inspection of whatever data is currently held in the temporary storage, preventing the accidental pasting of incorrect information.

Alternatively, third-party applications available on the App Store, such as Paste, provide a more robust experience. These applications run in the background and automatically catalogue copied items, allowing users to organise, view, and share multiple snippets of text and images without fear of losing data when a new item is copied.

Ensuring Data Privacy

While retaining history is useful, there are instances where clearing the clipboard is a necessity for security, particularly after handling sensitive data like passwords or banking details. As iOS does not offer a ‘Clear Clipboard’ button, a simple manual override is required.

To scrub the temporary memory, one can open a text field—such as in the Notes app—type two spaces, select them, and copy the empty selection. This action replaces any sensitive data currently held in the memory with blank text, ensuring that nothing confidential remains accessible. As Apple continues to refine its hardware dominance with the iPhone 17, mastering these software nuances remains an essential skill for the efficient user.