Apple’s iPhone 17 has emerged as the world’s best-selling smartphone in early 2026.
New data shows the device leading global sales, with its upgraded features attracting strong demand across key markets.
iPhone 17 has secured the top position globally in the first quarter of 2026, capturing 6% of worldwide unit sales, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker.
The strong performance highlights Apple’s continued dominance in the premium smartphone segment.
Apple dominates top rankings
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro followed closely, taking the second and third spots respectively.
Meanwhile, the previous-generation iPhone 16 ranked sixth, indicating that demand for older models remains steady even after a major new release cycle.
Key features driving sales growth
According to Counterpoint senior analyst Harshit Rastogi, the success of the iPhone 17 is largely tied to upgrades in the base model.
These include higher 256GB starting storage, improved camera performance, and a smoother 120Hz display refresh rate. Such enhancements have narrowed the gap between standard and Pro variants, making the base model more appealing to consumers.
The iPhone 17 recorded double-digit year-on-year growth in both the United States and China.
In South Korea, sales surged even more dramatically, tripling during the quarter. This indicates a widening global appeal for Apple’s latest lineup.
Samsung’s Galaxy A series occupied the remaining five spots in the top 10 rankings.
The Galaxy A07 4G emerged as the best-selling Android device of the quarter, reflecting strong demand for budget-friendly smartphones.
Additionally, Redmi A5 secured the tenth position, rounding out the list.
The top 10 smartphones accounted for 25% of global sales during the quarter — the highest concentration ever recorded for a first quarter, according to Counterpoint.
This suggests a growing dominance of a few key models in the global market.
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