A recent report from Counterpoint Research indicates that the iPhone 17 has surpassed the iPhone 17 Pro Max to become the world’s leading smartphone during the initial three months of 2026. Here are the specifics.
### iPhone occupies four positions in Counterpoint’s global top 10
Last month, Counterpoint Research published its Global Top 10 Best-selling Smartphones list for Q4 2025, illustrating that the iPhone 17 Pro Max represented 5% of global sales, followed closely by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 16.
This followed the firm’s Q3 2025 rankings, where the iPhone 17 Pro Max first appeared in 10th position just weeks post-launch.
Currently, initial data for Q1 2026 shows the iPhone 17 leading with a 6% share of global smartphone sales, trailed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro to complete the top three.
The remainder of the top 10 includes the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G and Galaxy A17 5G, followed by the iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, Galaxy A17 4G, and Xiaomi’s Redmi A5 concluding the list.
Although Counterpoint did not reveal the sales share for devices beyond the iPhone 17’s 6%, it is significant that the top three are considerably ahead of the rest. They did mention that the “top 10 smartphones contributed 25% of global unit sales, marking the highest Q1 concentration ever.”
Here’s Counterpoint’s Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi commenting on Apple’s achievements for the quarter:
> “iPhone 17 continues to excel compared to its predecessor thanks to major enhancements like increased base storage, improved camera resolution, and higher display refresh rate bringing the smartphone closer to the Pro models and delivering exceptional value for a larger market. The smartphone experienced double-digit YoY growth in essential markets such as China, the US, and 3x in South Korea for the quarter. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro secured the following two spots, providing even more advanced functionalities including camera, battery enhancements, and new colour, material, and finish options.”
Counterpoint also highlighted that, even though Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra just missed the top 10, the device experienced stronger initial sales than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its privacy display and AI features noted as standout elements.
Also missing from the rankings was the iPhone Air, which was similarly absent from the Q4 2025 list.
To view Counterpoint Research’s complete report on global smartphone sales for Q1 2026, follow this link.