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Apple’s iPhone 16 has claimed the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2025, securing four percent of all global handset sales and reaffirming Apple’s dominance in a highly competitive market.
The latest data shows that Apple and Samsung together filled all ten positions in the top-seller list, each contributing five models and jointly accounting for nearly one fifth of global smartphone shipments.
Apple Sweeps the Top Four Positions
Apple took the top four spots with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. Analysts attribute this sweeping performance to strong demand across several key regions, including India where festive season promotions boosted sales, and Japan where consumer confidence rebounded after a sluggish start to the year. The consistency across multiple price points in the iPhone 16 lineup allowed Apple to appeal to both premium buyers and mid-tier shoppers seeking long-term software support and reliable hardware.
Another factor driving demand was the universal inclusion of 5G across all top devices for the first time in a third-quarter ranking. This reflects a growing shift among consumers who now see 5G as a standard expectation rather than an upgrade feature.
Samsung Holds Ground With Value-Driven A-Series
Samsung secured the fifth position with its Galaxy A16 5G and placed four more A-series and S-series models within the top ten. The company benefited from strong uptake in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa where price sensitivity is high and consumers prioritize long battery life, dependable cameras and long-term durability. Mid-range 5G models remained the backbone of Samsung’s performance, reinforcing the company’s strategy of balancing affordability with advanced features.
Will These Rankings Remain Same for 2026
The third-quarter results show that Apple and Samsung continue to operate as the twin anchors of the global smartphone market. Apple’s high-end devices remain unmatched in brand loyalty and ecosystem integration, while Samsung maintains broad appeal in emerging markets where value remains the primary purchase driver.
The report says that the mid-price segment’s presence in the top-10 best-selling smartphones is expected to remain strong, driven by the growing integration of GenAI features. These advancements make the segment more competitive, deliver greater value to consumers, and further bridge the user experience with flagship models.
Despite overall global shipment pressures, consumer appetite for feature-rich phones remains strong, suggesting that Apple and Samsung will likely continue to dominate the landscape in the months ahead.
