Smartphone global shipments grew 12 percent and hit a record 1.4 billion devices in 2015, according to Strategy Analytics.<br />That doesn't mean all's well in the industry, though -- not when it's no longer expanding as fast as it did in the past.<br />In the fourth quarter of 2015, shipments grew merely six percent from the same period in 2015.<br />Samsung, however, continues to thrive and lead the pack.<br />It shipped 81.3 million units worldwide in the fourth quarter, up nine percent (its highest within the past two years) from Q4 2014.<br />Apple, on the other hand, isn't doing too hot.<br />It still shipped 74.8 million iPhones in Q4, but that's barely higher than the 74.5 million devices it sent out in 2014.<br />Strategy Analytics says "Apple's iPhone growth is peaking," and that Cupertino should look into exploring new markets like India to ensure it doesn't remain stagnant.
