iPhone 16 becomes world’s best-selling phone in Q3

By Phong Ngo December 10, 2025 | 01:42 am PT

Apple's iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone globally in Q3, maintaining its dominance for the third consecutive quarter, according to Counterpoint Research's Global Handset Model Sales Tracker.

Now in its second year, the iPhone 16 continued to lead the market, capturing a 4% share of global smartphone sales.

Its success is driven by strong demand from users upgrading from older models, expanded carrier promotions in developed markets, and the broad appeal of the standard iPhone configuration in regions where ultra-premium models account for a smaller share of sales, MacRumors reported.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at the launch event on Sept. 10, 2024 in the U.S. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

The 16 series featured four models in the rankings, with the 16 Pro securing second place, followed by the 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e.

The 17 Pro Max rounded out Apple's presence in the top 10.

Demand for the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max was driven by a large group of users who had purchased iPhones during the COVID-19 period and were now seeking upgrades, Counterpoint said.

Samsung claimed the remaining five spots in the top 10, with both companies accounting for 20% of the global smartphone market volume during the quarter.

The entry-level Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A06 secured the fifth and sixth spots, followed by the midrange Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 in seventh and eighth place. The Galaxy A16 took ninth place.

Counterpoint also highlighted that all top-five models are 5G-enabled, underscoring the growing consumer preference for the technology.

Looking ahead, the firm expects AI features to continue driving growth in the mid-price segment, further boosting the rankings of smartphones in the top 10.