Apple’s iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. The iPhone 17 Series captured the top three spots, while Samsung Galaxy A Series was most represented with five models in the top 10. Xiaomi Redmi A5 secured the tenth spot.
The top 10 smartphones contributed 25% of global unit sales, the highest Q1 concentration ever. This was driven by sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series, alongside pressure on Android OEMs in mass-market segments as the ongoing memory shortage pushes up component costs.
Commenting on Apple, Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi said in a statement, “iPhone 17 continues to outperform its predecessor owing to key upgrades like higher base storage, camera resolution, display refresh rate bringing the smartphone closer to the Pro variants and providing overall value for larger market. The smartphone registered double digit YoY growth in key markets like China, the US and 3x in South Korea for the quarter. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro captured the following two spots, offering even more advanced capabilities across camera, battery and new colour, material and finish.”
Samsung’s 2026 flagship, Galaxy S26 Ultra missed the top 10 list. Xiaomi Redmi A5, captured the 10th spot and was the most affordable smartphone in the list.
Commenting on outlook, Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan said in a statement, “Looking ahead to 2026, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. The anticipated market decline is likely to impact mass-market segments more significantly, while high-end smartphones continue to gain share. In response, OEMs are shifting focus toward premium portfolios, prioritizing value over volume.”
MacDailyNews Take: The only Android phones to make the list are cheap, entry-level models aimed at third-world markets, where they generate the vast majority of their sales volume. The only premium smartphones on the list are made by Apple – and they dominate the top of the list.
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I am waiting for foldable iPhone.
2 metrics that Apple should pay attention to, with these sales:
1 – Many people do not want a larger phone, they would do themselves a good service by making a mini an option on the next round; and/or continue the SE
2 – The price point will also sell more units.
So, when you look at those two combined, it shows that a smaller, cheaper phone, would likely be a bigger seller than Apple thinks.
except Apple finally figured out after many years of wall wart insanity that battery life is an even more important key metric for most people. so the sheep stay in the pen and buy the bigger phone with larger battery. or for a while you could buy an ugly tumor for the back of your small phone. that turned out to be a real sales winner, NOT.
Apple has always refused to compete based on price. Everyone knows you have to pay a premium to be in the iOS ecosystem. You should be used to this by now. Like any other premium brand, if you want a cheap one, you have to buy used.