Editing Apple Inc. (section)

=== Navigating Challenges and Competition   ===
Apple faced a complex landscape of industry-specific challenges, competitive pressures, and regulatory scrutiny in 2023. Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, continued to impact production, though the company’s proactive measures, such as diversifying its manufacturing base and investing in advanced automation, began to ease these constraints<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.simplymac.com/tech/supply-chain-challenges-ease-apple-expects-smoother-production-in-coming-quarters |quote=Apple's supply chain challenges are easing, paving the way for smoother production in upcoming quarters. }}</ref>. Despite these efforts, Apple faced a $1.5 billion loss in Black Friday sales in 2022 due to iPhone supply shortages, a ripple effect that lingered into 2023<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imd.org/research-knowledge/operations/case-studies/apple-s-supply-chain-transformation/ |quote=Apple lost $1.5 billion in Black Friday sales in 2022 due to iPhone supply constraints. }}</ref>. Competitive pressures intensified, particularly from Samsung, which adopted aggressive strategies to enhance its smartphone offerings. However, Apple managed to surpass Samsung to become the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer by volume, a testament to its enduring market appeal<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techhq.com/2024/01/apple-claims-top-spot-outshining-samsung-in-2023-smartphone-sales/ |quote=Apple surpassed Samsung to become the world's largest smartphone manufacturer by volume in 2023. }}</ref>. Regulatory headwinds also loomed large, with the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission scrutinising Apple for antitrust practices and data privacy concerns<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.techpolicy.press/under-pressure-antitrust-and-competition-authorities-are-now-focusing-on-apple/ |quote=Apple is facing intense regulatory scrutiny from the DOJ and European Commission regarding antitrust enforcement. }}</ref>.