iPhone 16 Was the World’s Best-selling Smartphone in 2025

Apple’s iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone globally in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple and Samsung dominated the Top 10 list for the fourth consecutive year, with their top-selling models contributing 19% of the overall smartphone sales in 2025.

iPhone 16 Pro Max took second place, ahead of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Galaxy A16 5G, in fifth place, was the highest-ranking Samsung model, ahead of Galaxy A06 4G. iPhone 17 was the seventh best-selling smartphone, as iPhone 15 took eighth place. The top ten was rounded with Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16e.

“Apple maintained a strong presence in the Top 10 rankings, with the iPhone 16 leading and further widening the gap with the next positions. The iPhone 17 series achieved 16% higher sales than the predecessor series during its first full quarter in the market, driven by strong initial demand in key markets such as the US, China, and Western Europe. The base iPhone 17 model has been the standout performer this year, offering significant upgrades like a higher refresh rate, increased RAM, and larger base storage, bringing it closer than ever to the Pro variants,” said Harshit Rastogi, Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research.

“Samsung’s S series secured a spot in the list for the second consecutive year, reflecting the brand’s continued focus on its flagship lineup. The Galaxy S25 Ultra improved its regional share, growing more than 3x YoY in Japan and achieving double‑digit growth in India. The device delivers leading AI capabilities, supported by ongoing enhancements in utility, productivity, media, and a set of exclusive features such as AI Select and Audio Eraser. Notably, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has narrowed the sales share gap with Samsung’s best-selling A series despite the significant price contrast,” commented Karn Chauhan, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research.

For 2026, the memory shortage is forecast to significantly affect entry-to-mid-segment smartphones, the sales of which remain highly concentrated in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. As a result, the flagship smartphones are expected to further increase their share of the overall market and their sales contribution. While replacement cycles are expected to grow, financing, trade-ins, and the refurbished market are likely to alleviate the stress.