iPhone 17 Was World's Best-Selling Smartphone in Q1 2026 as Top 10 Take 25% Share

The iPhone 17 was the world's best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026, securing the top spot in global sales rankings.



The base iPhone 17 accounted for 6 percent of global unit sales, followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro in the next two spots. According to Counterpoint Research, the top 10 smartphone models combined for 25 percent of all sales worldwide, marking the highest concentration ever recorded for a March quarter.


The standard iPhone 17 continues to outperform its predecessor. Analysts point to a set of upgrades that bring it closer to Apple's higher-end models, including more base storage, improved camera resolution, and a faster display refresh rate. The device posted double-digit year-over-year growth in key markets like the United States and China, where Apple sales recently surged. Sales also tripled in South Korea.

That concentration at the top is happening alongside a broader shift in the smartphone market. An ongoing global memory shortage is pushing up component costs, putting pressure on margins in lower-priced segments. As a result, many Android vendors are leaning more heavily into premium devices where profitability remains more viable. This trend recently helped Apple capture 21 percent of all smartphone shipments in Q1.

Samsung's Galaxy A series was the most represented lineup, taking five spots in the top 10. The Galaxy A07 4G emerged as the best-selling Android phone, driven by demand in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Samsung is also offering six years of software and security updates on the device, making it attractive to buyers prioritizing long-term usability.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra just missed the top 10 but showed stronger early sales than its predecessor, helped in part by new AI features and a first-of-its-kind privacy display. Xiaomi's Redmi A5 rounded out the list in tenth place.


Looking ahead, the top 10 models are expected to account for an even larger share of global sales. With overall volumes projected to decline, demand is shifting toward premium devices and long-term value. Manufacturers, in turn, are focusing more on margins than shipment volume.