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Apple’s iPhone 16 became the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2025, according to the latest data. The report shows that Apple and Samsung once again dominated the global rankings, marking the fourth straight year that the two companies controlled the top 10 list. Together, their devices accounted for 19% of total smartphone sales worldwide.
Apple led the chart in a big way. The company secured seven out of the top 10 spots, while Samsung took the remaining three positions. This performance highlights how firmly both brands continue to hold the premium and mid-range smartphone markets.
The iPhone 17 series, which Apple launched in September, posted 16% higher sales than the previous generation during its first full quarter. Strong demand in the U.S., China, and Western Europe fueled that growth. The source noted that the base iPhone 17 model stood out the most. It recorded the highest growth among all devices and ranked higher than the iPhone 16 did at its debut in 2024.
Several upgrades helped drive those sales. The iPhone 17 offers a 120Hz refresh rate, compared to 60Hz on the earlier model. It also starts with 256GB of storage, up from 128GB. These improvements appear to have made the base model more attractive to buyers.
Apple also saw momentum from the iPhone 16e, which arrived in spring 2025. With a starting price of $599, it offered a more affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem. That pricing helped expand Apple’s reach, especially among users looking for a lower-cost iPhone.
Samsung, however, remained a strong competitor. The Galaxy A16 5G ranked fifth overall and became the best-selling Android smartphone of 2025. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra secured ninth place, marking its second consecutive year in the top 10. According to the source, the S25 Ultra grew more than 3x year over year in Japan, showing strong traction in that market.
Looking ahead, Source expects premium flagship smartphones to gain more share in 2026. Rising memory prices could hurt entry- and mid-range devices more sharply, which may push buyers toward higher-end models.
