Apple’s iPhone 16 Tops Global Smartphone Sales in 2025
In 2025, Apple solidified its dominance in the global smartphone market, with the iPhone 16 emerging as the year’s best-selling device. This achievement underscores the company’s strategic focus on delivering high-quality, user-friendly smartphones that resonate with a broad consumer base.
Apple’s Commanding Presence in the Market
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple secured seven out of the top ten spots in the 2025 global smartphone sales rankings. The iPhone 16 led the pack, followed closely by its premium counterparts—the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro. This impressive lineup highlights Apple’s ability to cater to diverse consumer preferences, offering both standard and high-end models that appeal to various segments of the market.
Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones of 2025:
1. iPhone 16
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max
3. iPhone 16 Pro
4. iPhone 17 Pro Max
5. Galaxy A16 5G
6. Galaxy A06 4G
7. iPhone 17
8. iPhone 15
9. Galaxy S25 Ultra
10. iPhone 16e
The Rise of the Base iPhone 17
A notable development in 2025 was the remarkable performance of the base iPhone 17 model. Climbing to seventh place in the sales rankings, it marked a significant improvement from the base iPhone 16’s tenth-place finish in 2024. This upward trajectory indicates a growing consumer preference for Apple’s standard models, which now offer features and performance levels that closely rival their Pro counterparts.
An industry analyst commented, The base iPhone 17 model has been the standout performer this year, offering meaningful upgrades that bring it closer than ever to the Pro variants.
The iPhone 17 series experienced a 16% increase in sales compared to its predecessor during its first full quarter. This surge was driven by strong demand in key markets such as the United States, China, and Western Europe. Consumers were particularly drawn to enhancements like a higher refresh rate, increased RAM, and larger base storage capacity.
Samsung’s Continued Competitiveness
Despite Apple’s dominance, Samsung maintained a strong presence in the market. The Galaxy A16 5G emerged as the best-selling Android smartphone of 2025, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the ninth position, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth, especially in Japan. These achievements reflect Samsung’s ability to cater to a wide range of consumer needs, from budget-friendly options to premium devices.
The Impact of the iPhone 16e
Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 16e provided consumers with a more affordable entry point into the iPhone ecosystem. This model contributed to the company’s overall sales volume, appealing to budget-conscious buyers without compromising on essential features and performance.
Looking Ahead: Premium Models on the Rise
As the smartphone market evolves, Counterpoint Research anticipates a shift towards premium models gaining a larger market share in 2026. Rising memory costs are expected to put pressure on budget devices, potentially making high-end smartphones more attractive to consumers seeking longevity and advanced features.
Apple’s performance in 2025 underscores a clear trend: the base iPhone models have become central to the company’s global success. By offering a compelling combination of performance, features, and value, Apple continues to meet the diverse needs of its customer base, setting the stage for continued growth in the coming years.
