Apple’s iPhone 15 claimed the title of world’s best-selling smartphone in 2024, leading the year that saw Apple devices capture seven of the top ten spots in global shipments, according to latest reports from Canalys and Counterpoint Research.
The base model iPhone 15 secured approximately 3% of the total 1.22 billion smartphones shipped worldwide, translating to roughly 36.6 million units. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro followed in second and third positions respectively, underscoring Apple’s dominance across price tiers.
Samsung was the only other manufacturer to break into the top ten, with its Galaxy A15 securing the fourth position. The Korean tech giant’s other entries included the Galaxy A15 5G and the flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra, marking the S-series’ first appearance in the annual top ten since 2018.
Industry analysts attribute the iPhone 15’s success to strong sales in key markets like the United States and China, which accounted for nearly half of its global sales. The trend toward premium devices was particularly notable, with Pro models making up more than half of annual iPhone sales for the first time, aided by attractive financing options and trade-in programs.
The aging iPhone 13 rounded out the top ten, shipping an estimated 18.3 million units despite being three years old, demonstrating the lasting appeal of Apple’s older models. This performance helped Apple capture 1.5% of total global smartphone shipments with just this single model.
Looking ahead, analysts predict an increased adoption of AI-capable smartphones in 2025, with manufacturers emphasizing generative AI features in their high-end offerings. Half of 2024’s top-selling phones already included such capabilities, suggesting a growing consumer interest in AI-powered devices.
