Counterpoint: iPhone 16 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025

The iPhone 16 topped global smartphone sales during the first quarter of 2025, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. This marked the first time since 2022 that a base iPhone model has led global sales in the period. iPhone 16e does better than the SE ever did Counterpoint’s data also shows that Apple secured five of the top ten spots in Q1, continuing a trend seen over the past five March quarters. Meanwhile, Samsung took four spots, and Xiaomi was the only other brand to make the list. While the Pro models maintained their usual strength, it was the base iPhone 16 that drove most of the volume, especially in Japan, and across the Middle East and Africa. Counterpoint attributes the jump in Japan to improved economic conditions, and updated carrier subsidy rules that played into Apple’s favor. In today’s report, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro came in second and third place, respectively. These models continue to face headwinds in China, where new government incentives ... Read full article.