Apple has finally received some good news following a period marked by several setbacks. Apple's iPhone 16 emerged as the best-selling smartphone globally in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first time in two years a base model iPhone has achieved the top spot, according to a recent report from Counterpoint Research. Apple maintained its strong presence in the top-10 list, securing four spots for the fifth consecutive March quarter with iPhone 16, followed by its Pro variants and the iPhone 15. Samsung's Galaxy A16 5G has taken fifth place.
Markets where iPhone 16 series performed well
Apple's iPhone 16's strong performance was particularly driven by high growth in Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro secured the second and third spots, respectively, solidifying Apple's overall dominance in the top global smartphone rankings.
Despite these high rankings, the Pro series faced headwinds in China, a crucial market. Government subsidies in China favor devices priced under CNY 6,000 (approximately $833), making the higher-priced Pro models ineligible for these discounts. Additionally, strong competition in China's premium segment from domestic manufacturers like Huawei presented further challenges. Nevertheless, Pro models continued to account for nearly half of Apple's total iPhone sales for the third consecutive quarter.
The report also said Apple’s iPhone 16e made a strong debut, securing the sixth spot in the global top-10 list for March 2025.
"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," the report said.
Samsung grabs four spots in top 10
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the seventh spot in Q1 2025, and despite the limited availability, the S25 series delivered steady results, the report noted.
The Galaxy A16 5G ranked fifth in Q1 2025, followed by the Galaxy A06. The list also includes Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C 4G -- the only model outside of Apple and Samsung to make it to the global top-10 list.
Markets where iPhone 16 series performed well
Apple's iPhone 16's strong performance was particularly driven by high growth in Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro secured the second and third spots, respectively, solidifying Apple's overall dominance in the top global smartphone rankings.
Despite these high rankings, the Pro series faced headwinds in China, a crucial market. Government subsidies in China favor devices priced under CNY 6,000 (approximately $833), making the higher-priced Pro models ineligible for these discounts. Additionally, strong competition in China's premium segment from domestic manufacturers like Huawei presented further challenges. Nevertheless, Pro models continued to account for nearly half of Apple's total iPhone sales for the third consecutive quarter.
The report also said Apple’s iPhone 16e made a strong debut, securing the sixth spot in the global top-10 list for March 2025.
"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," the report said.
Samsung grabs four spots in top 10
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the seventh spot in Q1 2025, and despite the limited availability, the S25 series delivered steady results, the report noted.
The Galaxy A16 5G ranked fifth in Q1 2025, followed by the Galaxy A06. The list also includes Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C 4G -- the only model outside of Apple and Samsung to make it to the global top-10 list.
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