As per Counterpoint Research, Apple surpassed the larger US smartphone market in Q1 2026, fueled by substantial interest in the iPhone 17 amidst a downturn in Android sales.
### iPhone Experienced 1.3% Year-over-Year Rise in US Sales During Q1 2026
Counterpoint’s analysis reveals that Apple saw a 1.3% year-over-year growth in iPhone sales in the U.S. during the initial quarter of 2026, sharply contrasting with a 5.7% drop in the overall smartphone market. This increase was linked to strong demand for the standard iPhone 17 model and the postponed release of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series, which typically launches in January or February but was only available in mid-March this year. This holdup created a short-term gap in the premium smartphone sector, enabling Apple to gain more sales.
Consequently, the iPhone represented 75% of smartphone sales at the three main US carriers in Q1 2026, rising from 72% the year before. Importantly, Apple’s market share rose notably at Verizon, hitting 77%.
Another element aiding Apple’s achievement was its pricing strategy in response to increasing memory costs. Apple kept the pricing of the iPhone 17e steady while upgrading the base storage to 256GB, unlike rivals who elevated their prices.
Counterpoint’s report emphasizes that Apple outshone Samsung in promotional activities for devices priced at $600 and above in US postpaid channels. Apple bolstered its promotional strength in this category year-over-year, while Samsung’s promotional initiatives waned. This pattern indicates that if Apple continues to avoid major price hikes and uphold its promotional edge, it may prove difficult for Android manufacturers to remain competitive in the coming year.
For more information, you can read Counterpoint Research’s complete report [here](https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/apple-bucks-us-smartphone-sales-decline-in-q1-2026).