Apple’s iPhone 15 claimed the title of the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2024, with the company capturing seven of the top ten spots in global smartphone shipments, according to recent reports from Canalys and Counterpoint Research.
The iPhone 15 base model accounted for approximately 3% of the 1.22 billion smartphones shipped worldwide, translating to an impressive 36.6 million units.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro followed closely in second and third place, solidifying Apple’s stronghold across various price tiers.
The success of the iPhone 15 can be attributed to strong sales in key markets like the United States and China, which together accounted for nearly half of its global shipments.
A significant trend in 2024 was the rising demand for premium devices, with Pro models making up more than half of Apple’s iPhone sales for the first time. The availability of financing options and trade-in programs played a role in encouraging consumers to opt for higher-end models.
Apple also continued to see lasting appeal with its older models. The iPhone 13, which had been released three years earlier, rounded out the top ten, shipping an estimated 18.3 million units in 2024.
This demonstrated that even aging devices in Apple’s lineup could maintain strong global demand, helping the company capture 1.5% of total global smartphone shipments with just the iPhone 13.
Samsung was the only other manufacturer to break into the top ten, with its Galaxy A15 securing the fourth position as they secured four spots on the top ten list, up from three in 2023.
Its success was driven by the popularity of mid-range models such as the Galaxy A15 5G, A15 4G, and A05. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra was the standout, marking the first appearance of a Galaxy S-series phone in the top ten since 2018.
Samsung’s strategy focused on AI-powered features, such as Circle to Search, real-time translation, and AI-enhanced note-taking, which helped distinguish its devices in the competitive market.
The increasing role of artificial intelligence in smartphones was a key factor in 2024’s sales success. Five of the top ten best-selling smartphones featured generative AI capabilities, a trend that is expected to grow in 2025.
Both Apple and Samsung are focusing on AI-driven features, with Apple strengthening its partnership with OpenAI and Samsung collaborating with Google to enhance its Galaxy AI platform.
