iPhone 16 Dominates Global Smartphone Market in Q1 2025 as Apple
Apple has emerged as the leader in global smartphone sales for the first quarter of 2025, according to a report from Counterpoint Research. The tech giant’s iPhone models dominated the market, with five devices making it into the top ten best-selling smartphones. The iPhone 16 took the top spot, followed closely by the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra secured seventh place, while Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C was the only non-Apple or Samsung device to feature in the top ten.
iPhone 16 Dominates Sales Rankings
Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker reveals that the iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone worldwide in Q1 2025. This marks a significant comeback for the standard iPhone model, which had not held the top position in the first quarter for two years. The iPhone 16 saw strong sales in various markets, including Japan and regions in the Middle East and Africa. Apple led the global smartphone shipment rankings, with five of its iPhone models appearing in the top ten best-sellers list.
Following the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro took second and third place, respectively. Notably, the Pro models accounted for nearly half of Apple’s total iPhone sales for the third consecutive quarter. However, sales of the iPhone 16 Pro series faced challenges in China due to government subsidies for devices priced below CNY 6,000 (approximately Rs. 71,000) and stiff competition from local brands like Huawei. Additionally, the newly launched iPhone 16e secured the sixth position on the list, while the iPhone 16 Plus rounded out the top ten.
Samsung’s Performance in the Market
Samsung secured four spots in the top ten best-selling smartphones, although this was one less than the previous year. The overall share of the top ten smartphones in global sales remained stable, but there was an increase in the contribution of low-end models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship device, ranked seventh, a decline from its fifth position held by the Galaxy S24 Ultra in the same quarter last year. This drop in sales can be attributed to a shorter sales window for the Galaxy S25 during the quarter.
The Galaxy A16 5G emerged as a popular choice, claiming the fifth position on the list, moving up from the previous year’s ranking of the Galaxy A15 5G. The Galaxy A06 also made significant strides, climbing four spots to secure the sixth position, driven by heightened demand for budget smartphones across various regions. The Galaxy A55 5G completed Samsung’s representation in the top ten by ranking ninth.
Xiaomi’s Unique Position in the Rankings
Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C stood out as the only non-Apple or Samsung device in the top ten, achieving eighth place. Most of its sales were concentrated in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This highlights Xiaomi’s strategy of targeting regions with growing demand for affordable smartphones.
Looking ahead, Counterpoint Research anticipates that the top ten best-selling smartphone models will maintain a stable market share in the coming months. This resilience is attributed to manufacturers increasingly focusing on high-end devices that offer premium features, despite ongoing tariff tensions and market uncertainties. As consumer preferences evolve, the competition among smartphone brands is expected to intensify, shaping the landscape of the mobile market.
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