iPhone 17 becomes world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026 report

NEW YORK – Apple’s i Phone 17 has emerged as the world’s best-selling smartphone, surpassing all Android devices, according to the latest report by Counterpoint Research covering the first quarter of 2026 (January–March). The global smartphone sales data shows that Apple maintained its dominance in worldwide shipments during this period, with i Phone models occupying the top positions in the rankings. According to the report, the i Phone 17 held a 6% share of total global smartphone sales, making it the most sold smartphone worldwide. The iPhone 17 Pro Max secured second place, while the iPhone 17 Pro ranked third. Samsung’s Galaxy A07 4G and Galaxy A7 5G took the fourth and fifth positions respectively, reflecting strong performance in the mid-range Android segment. The iPhone 16, which was the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2025, ranked sixth in the latest quarter’s global sales list. Despite ongoing global inflation and reduced consumer purchasing power in many regions, Apple’s iPhones continue to dominate the global market, particularly in the premium smartphone category. The report also highlighted rising pressure on Android manufacturers due to increasing component costs. Higher prices of smartphone parts are expected to place additional strain on production and profit margins. It further noted that a global shortage of RAM is contributing to continuous price increases in smartphones, a trend that is likely to persist in the coming months. Counterpoint Research pointed out that Apple also led the market in the same period last year, with the iPhone 16 being the world’s best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2025. The latest figures reinforce Apple’s strong position in the global smartphone industry, showing sustained consumer demand for its flagship devices despite challenging economic conditions worldwide. New PTA Taxes for iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 series (Full List)