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iPhone 17 Leads Global Sales in Q1 2026, Report Reveals

Apple's iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone globally in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of unit sales. The top three positions were all held by Apple's iPhone 17 series, while Samsung's Galaxy A series had five models in the top 10. The top 10 smartphones accounted for a record 25% of global sales, driven by strong demand for Apple's lineup and pressure on Android manufacturers. Analysts predict the share of top-selling models will increase further in 2026, with OEMs focusing on premium portfolios.

Key Points: iPhone 17 Tops Global Smartphone Sales in Q1 2026

  • Apple iPhone 17 tops global sales with 6% share in Q1 2026
  • Top 10 smartphones account for record 25% of sales
  • Samsung Galaxy A series has five models in top 10
  • iPhone 17 sees double-digit growth in China, US, nearly triple in South Korea
2 min read

Apple's iPhone 17 tops global smartphone sales in Q1: Report

Apple's iPhone 17 leads global smartphone sales in Q1 2026, capturing 6% market share, with top three positions all held by Apple, per Counterpoint Research.

"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. - Harshit Rastogi"

New Delhi, May 5

Apple's iPhone 17 emerged as the world's best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026, capturing 6 per cent of global unit sales, according to a report released on Tuesday.

According to analysis by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 series dominated the charts, securing the top three positions, while Samsung's Galaxy A series had the widest presence with five models in the top 10 list.

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.

"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," said Harshit Rastogi, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research.

"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 added.

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 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 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.

"In response to evolving market dynamics, OEMs are increasingly focusing on premium portfolios, prioritising value over volume," said Karn Chauhan, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research.

- IANS

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Priya S
My family has been Android users forever, but my cousin got the iPhone 17 and it's honestly great. The battery life and camera are amazing. Still, ₹80,000 is a lot. I hope the budget options improve too. India needs phones that work well but don't cost an arm and a leg. Samsung's Galaxy A series seems like a better bet for many families.
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Vikram M
I'm not surprised. Apple's Pro models are getting too expensive, but the base iPhone 17 now has 120Hz display and better cameras? That's a smart move. Still, the report says top 10 phones now account for 25% of sales - highest ever. This means smaller brands like OnePlus and Vivo are struggling. Competition is healthy for consumers, so this concentration worries me a bit.
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Michael C
Interesting that the Galaxy S26 Ultra almost made the top 10 despite being a high-end phone. That privacy display feature sounds cool - I'd love to see that on more devices. But let's be honest, in India most people buying flagships are in metros. In smaller towns, it's all about value for money.

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