Apple sweeps smartphone sales podium ahead of iPhone 18 launch

As consumers eagerly await the reveal of Apple's flagship smartphone's next generation, newly released market data shows that its predecessor was the world's best-selling smartphone during the second quarter of 2026.

Tech research company Counterpoint Research analysed sales data from retail channels worldwide and published its latest ranking of the best-selling smartphones on August 26.

According to their report, the iPhone 17 accounted for 6% of global smartphone sales in Q2 2026, making it the world's top-selling model for the quarter. Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro followed in second and third place, respectively, giving the company a clean sweep of the top three positions.

The same three models have occupied the podium for two consecutive quarters. They also ranked among the three best-selling smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2025, although the iPhone 17 Pro Max topped the list that quarter, ahead of the standard iPhone 17.

Samsung's Galaxy 26 Ultra was the best-selling Android smartphone during the latest quarter, marking the first time an ultra-premium device has topped the Android rankings for the June quarter, according to the report. Samsung's Galaxy A07 4G and Galaxy A17 5G rounded out the three best-selling Android models.

The dominance of the two technology giants was even more pronounced across the full ranking. All 10 of the world's best-selling smartphones in Q2 came from either Apple or Samsung. Apple's iPhone 17e and iPhone 16 joined the three iPhone 17 models, while Samsung was represented by the Galaxy A17 4G and Galaxy S26 alongside its three other top-selling models.

Together, the 10 smartphones accounted for 26% of global smartphone sales during the quarter, highlighting the continued dominance of Apple and Samsung in the global market.

The report comes as Apple prepares for a major leadership transition. Tim Cook is set to step down as the company's CEO on September 1 after leading Apple since 2011, when co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs resigned because of his declining health. Jobs continued working for Apple until shortly before his death six weeks later.

Apple's current hardware chief, John Ternus, has been selected to succeed Cook at the beginning of the month. The company is also preparing for a major product event on September 9, when it is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models alongside what would be Apple's first foldable iPhone.

By Nazrin Sadigova