- Apple’s latest iPhone emerged as the top-selling smartphone globally in Q2 2026, despite a challenging market.
- Apple and Samsung dominated the global rankings, taking all 10 spots between them.
- Samsung’s latest flagship delivered a notable milestone for Android, while its Galaxy A series continued to attract buyers.
Apple has once again claimed the top position for most smartphone sales with the iPhone 17, accounting for 6% of global smartphone unit sales. According to Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q2 2026. The company previously held this record with the iPhone 16.
Apple and Samsung have secured five spots each in the global top 10 listing. Their models combined accounted for 26% of global smartphone unit sales. It is 2% higher than the 24% of the previous year.
iPhone 17 emerges as the best-selling smartphone in Q2 2026
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s smartphone sales went up by 5% year over year in Q2 2026 despite the significant market decline. In India, Japan, the Middle East, and Africa (MEA), iPhone sales increased normally, while in South Korea, they were about two times.
While the iPhone 17 took the top spot, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max then joined their standard version on the list. I think trade-in programs, promotions, and financing options made it easier for consumers to pick up the Pro models, resulting in more selling.
iPhone 17e supports Apple’s top 10 presence
Apple’s affordable iPhone, the iPhone 17e, also took the 7th position on the most-selling smartphone list, helping the company maintain its strong presence in the global rankings. The model became quite popular in the US and Japan, where carrier promotions supported sales.
Galaxy S26 Ultra leads Android sales
In the Android smartphone category, Samsung held 5 out of 10 positions in the global top 10. Notably, the Galaxy S26 Ultra emerged as the best-selling Android smartphone in Q2 2026.
According to Counterpoint Research Senior Analyst Harshit Rastogi, it is the first time an ultra-premium Android smartphone has led Android sales in a June quarter.
Samsung’s most flagship model yet benefited from some core features such as privacy display and Galaxy AI features. Evidently, the company focused on the flagship chip, camera, battery, and other key specs. But there were some factors for consumers to choose the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Galaxy A series remains popular
Following its most flagship model, Samsung’s entry-level and mid-range Galaxy A series captured three spots on the global top 10 list, thanks to its affordability, wide availability, and a strong value for money proposition.
If you watch closely, there’s a reason why consumers may have chosen the Galaxy A series, and it’s about the long-term software support in an affordable range. Notably, the Galaxy A07 4G, Galaxy A17 5G, and Galaxy A17 4G from the list offer six years or more of software support.
So, the results showcase the increasing importance of premium and mid-range smartphones as the industry faces an 11% market decline and ongoing pressure due to the global RAM shortage.
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