Counterpoint Technology Market Research said Apple’s iPhone 15 was the best-selling smartphone globally in Q3 2024, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple’s Pro variants represented half of all iPhone sales this quarter — a first for Q3 — indicating a shift toward high-value smartphone sales. Strong financing options and trade-in offers have made the latest iPhones more accessible, particularly in emerging markets.
Samsung held five spots in the top-10 global smartphone list, with the Galaxy S24 series making it to the top 10 for the first time in Q3 since 2018, mainly driven by GenAI-focused marketing. The Galaxy A series also secured four spots, appealing to entry- and mid-price segments across diverse markets due to competitive pricing and extended software support.
Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C, known for its affordability and solid specs, retained a top-10 spot for the second consecutive quarter, appealing particularly in emerging markets.
Both Apple and Samsung are capitalizing on their premium segments by enhancing device appeal through AI features, including Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI. These GenAI capabilities are aimed at reinforcing their competitive edge and ensuring continued dominance in the premium smartphone market.
The distribution of top-10 smartphone brands has remained steady since 2023, showing stable consumer preferences. While Apple’s share of the list has dipped slightly, Samsung’s presence has grown, with both companies now contributing to a combined market share of around 19 percent from the top-10 models.
