The data, covering period from January to March 2026, shows that Apple dominated global smartphone sales, securing multiple top positions in the worldwide rankings
NEW YORK: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 6th, 2026) Apple has maintained its stronghold in the global smartphone market, with the iPhone 17 emerging as the world’s best-selling smartphone during the first quarter of 2026, according to a new report by Counterpoint Research.
The data, covering the period from January to March 2026, shows that Apple dominated global smartphone sales, securing multiple top positions in the worldwide rankings. The iPhone 17 accounted for 6% of total global smartphone sales, making it the most purchased device across international markets.
Apple’s flagship lineup continued its strong performance, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max ranking second and the iPhone 17 Pro securing third place in global sales. Analysts say the results highlight sustained demand for Apple’s premium devices despite ongoing economic challenges in several regions.
Samsung also featured in the top five, with its Galaxy A07 4g and Galaxy A7 5G models ranking fourth and fifth respectively. These mid-range devices continued to perform well, particularly in price-sensitive markets.
The iPhone 16, which was the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2025, slipped to sixth position in the latest rankings but still recorded strong global demand, reflecting continued consumer interest in older Apple models even after newer releases.
The report noted that Apple’s continued dominance comes at a time of global economic pressure, with inflation and reduced purchasing power affecting consumer spending patterns. Despite this, demand for iPhones remains strong, especially in the premium segment of the market.
It further highlighted growing challenges for Android manufacturers due to rising production costs. Increasing prices of key components, including memory chips, are expected to place additional pressure on margins across the industry.
A global shortage of RAM has also contributed to rising smartphone prices, a trend analysts expect to persist in the coming months.
The findings reinforce Apple’s consistent performance in global smartphone rankings, following similar dominance in 2025 when the iPhone 16 was the world’s best-selling smartphone.
