iPhone 17 leads global smartphone sales in Q1 2026; Samsung tops Android segment – Firstpost

Launched in global markets, including India, in September last year, the iPhone 17 is now the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales. The 17 series brought a host of improvements over its predecessors, including a display capable of a higher refresh rate, a 48-megapixel rear camera, and the same selfie shooter as that of the flagship Pro models. Standing out due to these additions, the iPhone 17 has emerged as the best-selling smartphone globally in the first quarter of the ongoing year.

As revealed by the latest Global Handset Sales Tracker report by Counterpoint Research, the newly launched iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, commanding a 6% global market share. The standard model is followed by two other models in the lineup—the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro—which occupy the second and third positions, respectively.

The report highlights that four of the top 10 best-selling models globally were from the Cupertino-based tech giant, Apple Inc.. Beyond the iPhone 17 series, the iPhone 16 took the sixth spot on the Counterpoint Research Global Handset Model Sales Tracker in Q1 2026. Apart from Apple, two more smartphone makers featured in the list of the top 10 best-selling handsets.

While Apple captured the top spots on the list, Samsung also dominated by securing five positions among the top 10 best-selling phones. While Apple’s flagships led the rankings, it was mainly Samsung’s budget models that featured on the list. These included the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A17 4G, which occupied the seventh, eighth, and ninth positions, respectively.

Xiaomi was the only other brand, apart from Samsung and Apple, to appear in the rankings, taking the 10th position globally in Q1. Its Redmi series was also among the most affordable on the list.

Apple’s premium brand image has struck a chord with Indian consumers, as the popularity of its flagship devices has grown significantly over the years. Within the first three quarters of 2025, Apple had retailed more than 3 million units last year, and since than it has witnessed relentless growth. The availability of no-cost EMIs, cashback offers, and e-retailer discounts has further driven high double-digit growth.

A few days ago, on Friday, Apple reported a record March quarter in India. It marked the 18th consecutive record period in the market, during which the brand achieved double-digit growth in iPhone sales, defying the overall smartphone shipment trend, which declined by nearly 12% during the same period.

Apple’s India revenue also reached a record high in the March quarter, growing in double digits. Tim Cook, the company’s CEO, said in an earnings call that he was “over the moon excited” about the opportunity in the market. Highlighting the brand’s focus on India, Cook noted:
“It has been wonderful to see how we have continued to grow in India in recent years, as part of our larger efforts to connect with even more customers in emerging markets around the world.”

Cook further added that the country’s rising middle class is one of the company’s biggest target segments globally.

Apple’s Growing Presence, as per IDC Report

Data from independent market research firm International Data Corporation stated that Apple finished calendar year 2025 as the fifth highest-selling brand in India’s smartphone market. The report highlights that the company sold 14.5 million phones—about 9.5% of the 152 million smartphones sold in India during the year.

Apple continues to leverage India as an important manufacturing base, with iPhones accounting for nearly 50% of India’s $48 billion electronics exports in 2025. Hence, it is evident that sales from the Indian market have also contributed to the brand attaining the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone.