Best-selling phones of the second quarter of 2026 announced: iPhone 17 is at the top

The sales chart for the global smartphone market for the second quarter of 2026 has been released. According to Counterpoint Research data, the model most preferred by consumers was Apple's iPhone 17. The top three spots on the list were occupied by the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro.

According to the report, all of the top 10 best-selling phones belong to only two brands. Apple and Samsung shared the top 10 with five devices each. This table shows that while competition from different brands continues across the market, these two manufacturers maintain their weight in high-volume sales.

During the same period, while the global smartphone market contracted by 11 percent, the share of the top 10 models in total sales reached 26 percent. According to Counterpoint Research analysts, manufacturers are focusing more on premium and high-volume models, partly due to the global RAM shortage.

APPLE TOOK THE TOP THREE SPOTS

Apple's unit sales increased by 5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter. The iPhone 17 series narrowed the gap with the Pro models, especially with improvements made to the standard model, while trade-in programs and financing options supported the demand for premium phones.

It was stated that the company's sales in South Korea nearly doubled due to the impact of the iPhone 17 series. With MagSafe support and offering higher storage for the same price, the iPhone 17 was also shown among the models that maintained their place in the top 10.

The change in consumer behavior was also reflected in the sales table. The trend toward more expensive but longer-lasting devices increased the share of the premium segment while accelerating the focus of brands on models with high profit margins.

GALAXY S26 ULTRA STOOD OUT FOR SAMSUNG

On the Samsung front, the most notable model was the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the device stood out as the brand's best-selling phone in the second quarter, it rose five places in the rankings compared to its previous generation. It was noted that the Galaxy S26 Ultra was the first ultra-premium model to lead Android sales in the June quarter.

It was reported that the Galaxy S26 Ultra accounted for more than half of the S26 series sales. Privacy-focused screen technology and artificial intelligence features were among the model's standout highlights.

Samsung's Galaxy A series also maintained its presence in the top 10 with its price-performance balance. The at least six years of software support offered on these models is considered an important preference factor for consumers in an era where devices are used for longer periods.

News Source: 12punto