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Apple iPhone 17 emerged as the world’s best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026. Apple’s flagship series, launched in September 2025, captured 6 per cent of global unit sales, according to a report released on Tuesday.
As per an analysis by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 series dominated the charts, securing the top three positions. Apart from iPhone 17, Samsung’s Galaxy A series had the widest presence with five models in the top 10 list, news agency IANS reported.
The top 10 smartphones accounted for 25 per cent of global unit sales during the quarter, the highest-ever concentration for a first quarter, driven by strong demand for Apple’s latest lineup and pressure on Android manufacturers in the mass-market segment amid rising component costs.
Harshit Rastogi, senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, highlighted, “iPhone 17 continues to outperform its predecessor owing to key upgrades such as higher base storage, improved camera resolution and enhanced display refresh rate, bringing it closer to the Pro variants.”
“The device registered double-digit year-on-year growth in key markets like China and the US and nearly threefold growth in South Korea during the quarter,” Rastogi further added.
iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max follow closely
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro followed closely, offering advanced features across camera, battery, and design.
Among Android devices, Samsung’s Galaxy A07 4G emerged as the best-selling smartphone, driven by strong demand in emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
The model’s extended software and security support also boosted its appeal among value-focused buyers.
The report also noted that Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed the top 10 list, though it recorded stronger initial sales compared to its predecessor, supported by new features, including a privacy display and AI upgrades.
Looking ahead, the report further projected that the share of top-selling smartphone models will increase further in 2026, with premium devices continuing to gain traction even as overall market growth remains under pressure.
Highlighting the global smartphone sales in the first quarter, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research said, “In response to evolving market dynamics, OEMs are increasingly focusing on premium portfolios, prioritising value over volume.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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