Apple secured seven of the top ten best-selling smartphone positions in 2025, with the base iPhone 17 model emerging as the standout performer by ranking seventh overall.
A new market intelligence report from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple dominated the best-selling smartphone rankings for 2025, securing an impressive seven of the top ten positions. The base model iPhone 17 emerged as the standout performer, claiming the seventh spot overall in global sales rankings.
iPhone 17's Remarkable Performance
The iPhone 17 series achieved 16% higher sales than its predecessor during its first full quarter in the market, driven by strong initial demand across key regions including the United States, China, and Western Europe. This performance marks a significant shift from the previous year, where the base iPhone 16 managed only the tenth position in 2024's rankings.
What makes the iPhone 17's seventh-place ranking particularly noteworthy is how it compares to its predecessor. The base iPhone 17 has effectively bridged the gap between standard and Pro models, offering features that were previously exclusive to higher-end variants. These upgrades include a higher refresh rate display, increased RAM, and larger base storage capacity.
Complete Top Ten Breakdown
The full top ten best-selling smartphones for 2025, according to Counterpoint Research, are:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy A06 4G
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 15
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
- iPhone 16e
This ranking demonstrates Apple's comprehensive dominance across its product lineup, with iPhones occupying positions one through four, seven through nine, and ten. Samsung's presence is limited to positions five, six, and nine, with only one flagship device making the list.
Why the Base iPhone 17 Stands Out
The base iPhone 17's success reinforces the widespread view that it represents the optimal choice for most consumers unless they specifically require Pro-level features. The model effectively delivers a near-Pro experience at a more accessible price point, making it the "best overall iPhone in years" according to industry analysts.
This positioning strategy appears to be paying dividends for Apple, as consumers recognize the value proposition offered by the base 17 model. The combination of premium features at a mid-tier price point has resonated strongly with buyers across multiple markets.
Market Implications
The dominance of Apple's lineup, particularly the strong performance of the base iPhone 17, suggests a maturing smartphone market where consumers are becoming more discerning about value. Rather than automatically opting for the most expensive Pro models, many buyers are finding that the base iPhone 17 offers the right balance of features and affordability.
This trend could influence Apple's future product strategy, potentially leading to even more feature parity between standard and Pro models, or alternatively, pushing Pro models further into premium territory with even more specialized capabilities.
The 2025 smartphone market clearly belongs to Apple, with the iPhone 17 series leading the charge and the base model emerging as the unexpected hero of the lineup. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, Apple's ability to deliver compelling value across its entire range while maintaining premium positioning appears to be resonating strongly with consumers worldwide.
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