7 iPhone Models Among 2023's Top 10 Best Selling Smartphones
2023 was a watershed year for Apple as the tech titan dominated the global smartphone market, with seven of its iPhone models taking the top 10 spots by sales, according to a report from Counterpoint Research.
1. iPhone 14 Tops as #1 Best Seller
The iPhone 14 was the best-selling smartphone this year, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15. While Apple swept rivals in the top 7 spots, the only Android phone able to break into the list was from Samsung, which had three of its budget A-series models on the chart.
2. Apple Grows Market Control Year-Over-Year
Based on Counterpoint Research’s monthly tracker of global model smartphone sales, the report revealed Apple captured the top 7 spots for the first time last year, up from six in 2022 and five in 2021.
3. Strong iPhone 14 and 15 Demand Key Drivers
Per the report, Apple was able to dominate thanks to several factors including strong demand for the iPhone 14 and 15 lineups, continued performance of the older iPhone 13, and increased penetration into emerging markets like India, Middle East, and Africa (MEA).
4. Promotions Boost Older iPhone Models
Apple’s older iPhone 13, the oldest model on the list, held the fourth spot with double-digit year-over-year (YoY) volume growth in Japan and India. The report reveals carrier promotions in Japan stimulated sales of older models while in India, iPhone 13’s affordability made it a popular option.
5. Samsung A14 5G Leads Android Sales
On the Android side, Samsung was the only other brand alongside Apple to have three of its budget A-series models among 2023’s top 10 best selling smartphones, according to the report. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G took the eighth spot, driven by strong sales in the US and India.
With strategic expansions into emerging markets paying dividends, Apple tightened its grip on the 2023 smartphone sales crown. Its iPhone 14 and 15 series offered compelling upgrades while older models via promotions tapped into cost-conscious consumers worldwide.
