The top three spots are taken by iPhones, while Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra enters the top ten for the first time in the latest Q2 2026 results.
While all the attention is on the next generation of iPhones Apple is about to unveil on Sept. 9. the company’s existing models continue to rule global sales.
According to Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone last quarter (Q2 2026), commanding 6% of global sales. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro came in second and third, respectively, to complete an all-Apple podium.
The top three positions have now remained unchanged for two successive quarters. The same phones also led in Q4 2025. but the iPhone 17 Pro Max led that quarter, with the iPhone 17 coming in second.
Per Counterpoint’s Q2 2026 report, Samsung’s Galaxy 26 Ultra is the best-selling Android phone globally, and it’s the first time an ultra-premium phone has led the June quarter. The next two best-selling Android phones are also from the same maker: the Galaxy A07 4G and the Galaxy 17 5G.
Surprisingly, the top 10 list only features phones from Apple and Samsung. The iPhone 17e and the iPhone 16 are the two other Apple devices on the list, while Galaxy A17 4G and Galaxy S26 are the two other Samsung phones. Combined, the top 10 phones accounted for 26% of global smartphone sales last quarter.
For the iPhone 17e, support for MagSafe wireless charging and expanded storage from 128GB to 256GB at the same $599 price as the iPhone 16e played a crucial role in driving strong sales, Counterpoint says.
The report arrives as Apple enters a new era. Tim Cook will step down as CEO on Sept. 1 and will be replaced by current hardware chief John Ternus. On Wednesday, Apple announced it is hosting an event on Sept. 9. where we expect Ternus to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models and the company’s first-ever foldable iPhone.
