iPhone 17 Dominates Worldwide Smartphone Market in Second Quarter of 2026

The iPhone 17 has defied the trend of declining smartphone sales by becoming the top-selling handset in the first two quarters of 2026, with a growth in unit sales in Q2. According to Counterpoint Research, all three models of the iPhone 17 are leading the market, with the base model holding a 6% share of overall sales for the quarter.

Although specific market share percentages for the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro were not provided by Counterpoint, Apple still dominated the top ten, collectively accounting for 26% of global smartphone unit sales. This mirrors the rankings from the previous year, with the iPhone 16 series taking the top spots.

The absence of the iPhone Air from the top-selling list is not unexpected, as the ultra-slim model did not perform as well as anticipated. However, there are plans for a refresh in early 2027. In contrast, the iPhone 17 has seen an increase in market share compared to its predecessor, thanks to features like a 120 Hz Always-On display and increased base storage without a price hike.

Looking ahead, there are expectations of price increases for future iPhone models, including the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This may prompt potential buyers to consider purchasing an iPhone 17 sooner rather than later. Despite market challenges, Apple’s unit sales of the iPhone 17 grew by 5% year over year, with strong performance in various regions.

Counterpoint Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan attributes the continued success of the iPhone 17 to competition from other brands, which has shifted consumer preferences towards higher-end smartphones. As budget Android phones become less affordable due to rising memory prices, the value proposition of investing in an iPhone 17 becomes more appealing.