In a remarkable display of market prowess, Apple’s iPhone 16 has emerged as the top-selling smartphone in 2025, according to a recent report from Counterpoint Research. This success highlights Apple's dominance in the smartphone industry, overshadowing competitors and solidifying its position as the world's leading smartphone vendor. With several models from the iPhone family making the top ten list, it’s clear that consumer preference is leaning heavily toward Apple products.
iPhone 16 Leads the Charge
Following the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro also secured prominent spots, marking a significant achievement for Apple. The entire iPhone 16 lineup has become a bestseller in 2025, illustrating how well these devices were received by consumers.
Furthermore, Apple's iPhone 17 models have quickly captured attention, with both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the standard iPhone 17 making a strong impact shortly after their release. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has landed at the fourth position in global sales, while the iPhone 17 has outperformed its predecessor, the iPhone 16.
Image Credit -- Counterpoint Research
Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro is absent from the top-selling phones, indicating it may not have had the same consumer traction as the 16 Pro. However, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup continues to establish a strong foundation for future success, especially in anticipation of the iPhone 18 set to release next year.
Samsung's Struggles with the Galaxy S25 Ultra
In stark contrast to Apple’s triumph, Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra has faced challenges, finishing in ninth place among top sellers. The sales performance of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is particularly concerning, as it has been outperformed by both the iPhone 15 and the new iPhone 17.
The rankings reveal that cheaper models, particularly the Galaxy A16 5G and A06 4G, currently dominate the Android market, highlighting a troubling trend for Samsung as high-end models struggle to maintain their market share.
Image Credit -- PhoneArena
The Future Landscape of Smartphone Sales
Looking ahead, the chart for 2026 seems poised for similar results, with Apple likely to continue its dominance in the smartphone market. With expected upcoming models like the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 18 series, the competition remains fierce but one-sided in favor of Apple.
Predictions suggest that the iPhone 17 will easily take the top spot for 2026, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is nearly guaranteed to be the runner-up. The landscape of mobile device sales is evolving, but Apple’s current momentum suggests a future filled with continued success.
