The iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone during the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. Apple’s entry-level flagship accounted for 6% of global smartphone unit sales, leading a lineup that placed five iPhone models among the world’s top 10 sellers.
The performance comes as several of Apple’s competitors raised prices in response to an ongoing component shortage, giving the iPhone lineup added momentum across multiple regions.
Apple Claims Five of the Top 10 Spots
Beyond the top-ranked base model, Apple took the second and third positions with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro, respectively. The iPhone 17e landed in seventh place, while the iPhone 16 finished tenth. That older model had led the year-ago ranking with a 4% share.
Samsung was the only other manufacturer to reach the top 10. The Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G placed fourth, followed by the Galaxy A07 4G in fifth, the Galaxy A17 5G in sixth, the Galaxy A17 4G in eighth, and the Galaxy S26 5G in ninth.
Counterpoint noted that the top 10 best-selling smartphones together accounted for 26% of overall sales, an increase of 2% year over year.
iPhone Sales Grow Against a Declining Market
Apple’s unit sales rose 5% year over year despite a broader decline across the smartphone market. According to Counterpoint Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan, iPhone sales climbed in India, Japan, and the MEA region, and nearly doubled in South Korea during Q2 2026, driven largely by the iPhone 17 series.
The base iPhone 17 remained the top seller thanks to significant upgrades that narrowed the gap with the Pro models. Strong premium demand also lifted the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, supported by trade-in programs, promotions, and financing options that improved affordability.
Chauhan added that rising smartphone prices overall pushed consumers toward higher-end segments, further strengthening Apple’s competitive position. The firm’s recent reports also showed Apple posting growth in both shipments and sales while much of the industry trended downward.
Across the quarter, the iPhone 17 lineup secured the first three positions and half of the global top 10, with the iPhone 17e’s addition rounding out Apple’s presence in the ranking.
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