50 million iPhones bring Apple back to second spot among phone makers

Apple Inc. reclaimed the second spot with 50.4 million iPhones shipped in the third quarter

Apple Inc. reclaimed the second spot among global smartphone makers with 50.4 million iPhones shipped in the third quarter, according to IDC market data.

The Cupertino, California-based company improved by more than 20% over the previous year, helped by the earlier release of its latest model, though it was also limited by severe component supply disruptions. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook estimated the cost of limited supplies in the current quarter at more than $6 billion when Apple reported earnings Thursday, with consumers ordering iPhones today having to wait until late November or even December for delivery.

Samsung Electronics Co.