According to recent estimates from Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone 16 emerged as the best-selling smartphone worldwide during the first quarter of 2025. This remarkable achievement underscores Apple's continued dominance in the smartphone market, showcasing the popularity and demand for its latest devices.
Following the iPhone 16, the rankings revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and the previous generation iPhone 15 filled the next three positions in the top four smartphones. In fifth place, Samsung made its mark with the Galaxy A16 5G, which highlights the brand’s strong presence in the market.
In contrast to last year, where Apple's Pro iPhone models were the top sellers, the iPhone 15 Pro Max had claimed the top spot in Q1 2024, closely followed by the iPhone 15. This trend indicates that Apple has effectively narrowed the performance gap between its standard and Pro smartphone lineups.
The iPhone 16 is powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, which offers performance that rivals the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, it includes advanced features such as the Action button and Camera Control button, which enhance the user experience and functionality of the device.
Apple captured five out of the top ten best-selling smartphones in Q1 2025, with the iPhone 16 holding the coveted first position and the iPhone 16 Plus making a notable appearance at the tenth spot. Notably, Samsung's flagship model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, ranked seventh, emphasizing the competitive landscape of the smartphone market.
The newly launched iPhone 16e, priced over $600, captured the sixth position on Counterpoint's top ten list for March 2025, despite being available for only part of the quarter. Analysts anticipate that the iPhone 16e will outperform the iPhone SE in its inaugural year, thanks to its impressive feature set that appeals to a broader audience.
While Counterpoint's report focuses primarily on rankings rather than specific unit sales, it highlights that the iPhone 16 saw exceptional sales performance in regions like Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max faced challenges in the Chinese market due to government subsidies favoring lower-cost devices and stiff competition from local companies such as Huawei.
In conclusion, Apple's iPhone 16 has solidified its position as the top-selling smartphone in the world for Q1 2025, showcasing Apple's ability to innovate and capture consumer interest. With a strong lineup of devices and advanced features, Apple continues to lead the smartphone market amidst growing competition.
