Apple Dominates 2025 Smartphone Market with 7 of Top 10 Spots

According to new data from Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone 16 series dominated the global smartphone market in 2025, claiming seven of the top ten best-selling positions. The iPhone 16 took the number one spot overall, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro in second and third place respectively.

The research firm's analysis reveals that Apple's market dominance extended across multiple price segments, with the company's devices appearing in positions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 of the global top ten. Samsung secured the remaining three spots with its Galaxy A15, A35, and A55 models.

This market performance represents a significant achievement for Apple, particularly given the competitive landscape in the smartphone industry. The iPhone 16's success at the top position suggests strong consumer demand for Apple's latest hardware and software features, including the company's continued focus on camera improvements and AI capabilities through its Apple Intelligence platform.

Samsung's presence in the top ten, while more limited than Apple's, demonstrates the company's continued strength in the mid-range segment. The Galaxy A series models that made the list are typically more affordable devices that appeal to budget-conscious consumers, indicating Samsung's ability to maintain market share across different price points.

The data also shows interesting patterns when comparing the 2025 rankings to previous years. Apple's iPhone 15 series, which dominated much of 2024, has been largely displaced by the newer iPhone 16 lineup, suggesting healthy upgrade cycles among Apple's customer base. Meanwhile, Samsung's strategy of maintaining a strong presence in the mid-range market with its A series continues to pay dividends in terms of volume sales.

Industry analysts note that this market concentration at the top reflects broader trends in the smartphone industry, where a handful of manufacturers continue to capture the majority of global sales. The dominance of Apple and Samsung in the top ten positions underscores the challenges faced by other manufacturers in gaining significant market share, particularly in premium segments.

Counterpoint's research methodology typically involves analyzing sell-through data from retailers and carriers, combined with supply chain information and market surveys. While the firm doesn't release detailed methodology for individual reports, its tracking is generally considered reliable within the industry for identifying sales trends and market share patterns.

The smartphone market has shown resilience in recent years despite economic headwinds and saturation in many developed markets. Apple's continued ability to capture premium market share while also maintaining strong sales in its more affordable iPhone models (like the iPhone 16 appearing in the top ten) suggests the company has successfully navigated these challenges.

For consumers, this market concentration means continued focus from manufacturers on refining existing successful formulas rather than radical innovation. Both Apple and Samsung have invested heavily in AI capabilities, camera technology, and ecosystem integration in recent years, areas that appear to resonate with buyers based on these sales figures.

Looking ahead, industry watchers will be monitoring whether Apple can maintain this level of market dominance with future iPhone releases, and whether Samsung or other manufacturers can challenge the company's position in the premium segment. The smartphone market remains highly competitive, with manufacturers constantly seeking new features and technologies to attract consumers in an increasingly mature market.

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The full Counterpoint Research report provides additional insights into regional variations in smartphone preferences and the performance of other manufacturers not captured in the top ten list.