The iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 6% of global sales, according to Counterpoint Research.
The study found that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro took the top three positions globally. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy A series had the most representation in the top 10 with five models.
Overall, the top 10 smartphones accounted for 25% of global sales, the highest first-quarter share ever recorded.
Among Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G was the best-selling model, with strong demand in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra did not make the top 10 but showed strong initial sales, outperforming its predecessor.
Xiaomi Redmi A5 also entered the top 10, becoming the most affordable smartphone in the ranking and maintaining steady demand in emerging markets.
Analysts note that the growing share of top models is driven by steady demand for premium devices, while the mass-market segment faces pressure from rising component costs.
According to Counterpoint, the share of the top 10 smartphone models is expected to continue growing in 2026, with manufacturers shifting focus toward premium portfolios rather than volume growth.
