Apple claimed the top spot in global smartphone sales in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, securing the first three positions with its iPhone 15 series, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research. The Cupertino-based company’s impressive performance is driven by strong demand for its high-end models, with the iPhone 15 leading the pack, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro in second and third place, respectively.
Apple’s dominance was further underscored by its ability to capture four spots in the top 10, with the iPhone 14 making an appearance in seventh place. The growing preference for premium devices has contributed to Apple bridging the sales gap between its standard and Pro models, with the Pro variants accounting for half of all iPhone sales in Q3. This shift has boosted Apple’s average selling price and overall revenue.
In total, the top 10 best-selling models made up 19 percent of the entire global smartphone market during the quarter, signaling the increasing impact of high-end smartphones on the industry.
While Apple led in the rankings, Samsung emerged as the brand with the most devices in the top 10, with five models making the list. Four of these were from its budget-friendly A-series. However, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 also made its mark, securing the tenth position. This marks the first time a Galaxy S device has entered the top 10 since 2018. Samsung’s success can be attributed to its strong presence in the entry and mid-range segments across various global markets.
Xiaomi also made an impression, with its budget Redmi 13C 4G claiming the ninth spot, marking the only other manufacturer to achieve high sales in the top rankings alongside Apple and Samsung.
Both Apple and Samsung are expected to retain their strong positions in the market, bolstered by the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) features. Apple’s iPhone models now include Apple Intelligence, while Samsung devices are powered by Galaxy AI. These innovations are poised to further strengthen both brands’ competitiveness in the smartphone market as the industry moves towards more intelligent, feature-rich devices.
