Apple’s iPhone 16 the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1

Apple’s iPhone 16 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. This also marked the return of the iPhone series’ base variant to the top spot in the first quarter after a gap of two years that were dominated by iPhone Pro models. Apple maintained its strong presence in the top-10 list, securing five spots for the fifth consecutive March quarter. Meanwhile, Samsung featured one fewer model compared to the same period last year. While the top 10 smartphones’ share in overall global sales remained stable, the low-end (<$100) smartphones in the top 10 saw an increase in their contribution.
The iPhone 16 performed well in Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with Japan recording the highest growth in base variant sales. Improved economic conditions and revised subsidy regulations favored Apple’s pricing strategy and ecosystem, further strengthening its appeal in the Japanese market.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro ranked second and third in the list, respectively. The Pro series faced challenges in China due to government subsidies favoring sub-CNY 6,000 (~$833) devices and strong competition in the country’s premium segment from OEMs like Huawei. Despite this, Pro models continued to account for nearly half of Apple’s total iPhone sales for the third consecutive quarter.
Apple’s iPhone 16e made a strong debut, securing the sixth spot in the global top-10 list for March 2025, its first full month of sales. Despite a higher price compared to the SE 2022, the 16e is expected to outperform its predecessor during its first year. This success will be largely driven by its significant technological advancements and expanded feature set.
Going forward, despite ongoing tariff tensions and broader market uncertainties, the share of the top 10 best-selling smartphone models is expected to remain relatively stable. This resilience is supported by OEMs increasingly focusing on high-end smartphones where consumer interest is driven by premium features.
‎
MacDailyNews Take: Total dominance for the indomitable iPhone and, yes, the Plus models remain Apple’s redheaded stepchild. Apple is expected to replace the iPhone Plus model with a new “Air” model later this year.

‎
Please help support MacDailyNews — and enjoy subscriber-only articles, comments, chat, and more — by subscribing to our Substack: macdailynews.substack.com. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple’s iPhone 16 the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 appeared first on MacDailyNews.