iPhone 16 Crowned World's Most Popular Smartphone in 2025

Apple is back! Counterpoint Research announced its latest smartphone ranks and named Apple’s iPhone 16 the best-selling smartphone in the world in Q1 2025. For the first time in two years, a base model iPhone is the number one smartphone in the world.

Apple’s iPhone 16 is a massive victory for the company, especially with the competitive threats facing them in the key markets. Not only did the iPhone 16 receive accolades as the base model, but it also helped the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro secure second and third place, respectively, ensuring Apple swept the global smartphone ranks in 2025. The previous-generation iPhone 15 also secured a position in the top 10 list, contributing to four placements and achieving a record fifth consecutive year of maintaining its ranking in the March quarter.

Regional Growth: Japan, Middle East, and Africa Drive iPhone 16 Sales

The growth of Apple in Japan and MEA was especially impressive, as these markets are relatively small. There was giant demand for the iPhone 16 models, which resulted in unusually strong sales for Apple in Q1 2025. Apple's more expensive Pro models struggled in China;

The Chinese government has favourable subsidies for smartphones priced below CNY 6,000 (approximately US$833), which would not qualify for any of Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max models, and increased competition for China's high-end smartphone market from Chinese domestic brands, specifically Huawei.

Despite these issues, the Pro models represented close to half of total iPhone sales for a third consecutive quarter. 

iPhone 16e Debuts Strong at No. 6

Another positive feature of Apple's 2025 lineup was the iPhone 16e, which made a strong debut to take the sixth spot on the global top-10 list. Although the iPhone 16e had a higher price point than the previous SE 2022, consumers and analysts were impressed by the larger feature set and tech enhancements.

“Despite a higher price compared to the SE 2022, the 16e is expected to outperform its predecessor during its first year,” stated the report. “This success will be largely driven by its significant technological advancements and expanded feature set.”

Samsung Stays Strong With Galaxy A and S Series

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G was in fifth place. It is an effective budget 5G option. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was in seventh place. It is still selling well even with the limited supply. The Galaxy A06 and the Galaxy A16 also gave Samsung a consistent presence in the mass-market space. Based on these models—especially the A16 5G—Samsung's strategy is to support value in developing markets.

Xiaomi Makes the Cut

Only Xiaomi, with its Redmi 14C 4G, managed to break into the global top-10 list, breaking away from the Apple and Samsung duopoly. This model secured its place by offering essential features at an aggressive price point, particularly appealing to budget-conscious consumers in Asia and Africa.

Outlook

With Apple's iPhone 16 series leading at the high end of the market and Samsung remaining strong in every mobile segment, 2025 is clearly going to be a year of repositioning for the competitors. A strong initiation of the iPhone 16e and continued success of the Galaxy A series validate that emerging trends with global impact are reflective of high-end premium innovation on one end and affordable technology on the other end. Apple's triumphant return to the top and dominance, largely due to the base iPhone 16, is a clear indication of the brand's fortitude and ability to adjust — it is likely the most relevant and supportive metric in terms of Apple iPhone sales long-term strategy. Stay tuned as the competition continues into the back half of 2025.