Apple’s iPhone 16 has earned the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2025, capturing 4% of all global handset sales and reinforcing Apple’s dominance in a highly competitive market.
Recent data indicates that Apple and Samsung collectively occupied all ten positions on the top-seller list, with each company contributing five models and accounting for nearly one-fifth of global smartphone shipments. Apple secured the top four spots with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e. Analysts attribute this impressive performance to strong demand in key regions, particularly in India, where festive promotions boosted sales, and in Japan, where consumer confidence rebounded after a sluggish start to the year. The consistency across multiple price points in the iPhone 16 lineup allowed Apple to cater to both premium buyers and mid-tier shoppers seeking long-term software support and reliable hardware.
Additionally, the universal inclusion of 5G across all top devices for the first time in a third-quarter ranking reflects a shifting consumer expectation; buyers now consider 5G a standard feature rather than an added upgrade.
Samsung maintained a strong presence with its Galaxy A16 5G, ranking fifth, alongside four additional A-series and S-series models in the top ten. The company benefited from robust sales in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where price sensitivity is high and consumers prioritize long battery life, reliable cameras, and long-term durability. Samsung’s mid-range 5G models continue to be the backbone of its performance, reinforcing the company’s strategy of balancing affordability with advanced features.
Looking ahead, the third-quarter results suggest that Apple and Samsung will remain the cornerstones of the global smartphone market. Apple’s high-end devices boast unmatched brand loyalty and ecosystem integration, while Samsung maintains broad appeal in emerging markets where value is a primary purchasing driver.
The report indicates that the mid-price segment’s presence in the top ten best-selling smartphones is expected to remain strong, driven by the growing integration of generative AI features. These advancements enhance competitiveness in the segment, providing greater value to consumers and further bridging the user experience with flagship models.
Despite overall pressures on global shipments, consumer demand for feature-rich smartphones remains robust, suggesting that Apple and Samsung are likely to continue dominating the market in the months ahead.
