Apple led the list of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with the most smartphones sold in 2024, according to a market research firm. The company had seven iPhone models in the top 10 best-selling smartphones of the year. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also succeeded and became a huge hit even though it debuted in September 2024. Whereas, Samsung also managed to secure a spot in the top five with its Galaxy A15.
With a 23% market share, Apple also secured a top position in the last quarter of 2024.
The global smartphone market saw a growth of 7% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with 1.22 billion phones sold, as per the report of market research firm Canalys. This year is marked as the first recovery after two years of decline in smartphone shipments. Apple managed to retain its position as the top smartphone seller from 2023, even though iPhone shipments declined by 1% to 225.9 million units.
Samsung also saw a drop in its sales by 1% to 222.9 million units in 2024, placing it right below Apple. Xiaomi continued its strong growth, taking third place with a 15% increase, selling 168.6 million units. Transsion Holdings, which owns brands such as Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, came in fourth, while Oppo (including OnePlus) secured the fifth position.
Interestingly, no other brand besides Apple and Samsung had phones in the top 10. Apple dominated with seven iPhone models, while Samsung had three, with only one flagship device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The iPhone 15 secured the top position in 2024, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max in second place and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in third. Only the Samsung Galaxy A15 was a non-Apple device in the top five, securing the fourth position. The iPhone 16 Pro completed the top five list. Interestingly, no other brand besides Apple and Samsung had phones in the top 10. Apple dominated with seven iPhone models, while Samsung had three, with only one flagship device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The entire list of the top 10 best-selling smartphones is as follows:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy A15
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 16
- Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- iPhone 13
According to a market research firm, 2025 will bring challenges both worldwide and regionally. The growth is slowing down as several markets reach a point of saturation.
To succeed, companies will need to have a balance of short-term performance, manage inventory, and make long-term investments.
