Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Dominates Top Smartphone Sales in Q1 2024

Apple had a dominant showing in the first quarter of 2024, occupying the top three spots on the list of best-selling smartphones globally, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research.

The research firm's 'Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker' revealed that all ten phones in the top ten were 5G-capable for the first time. It also showed a clear trend towards more premium-priced devices, with seven of the top ten models priced above $600.

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max took the top spot—a first for a non-seasonal quarter. In fact, all four iPhone 15 models made the top ten, with the iPhone 14 in seventh place.

This signified strong and sustained demand for Apple's latest flagship devices. The Pro series, in particular, is growing rapidly in popularity for the tech giant, making up 60% of Apple's sales value for the quarter compared to just 24% in the first quarter of 2020.

Samsung also had a solid showing, placing its Galaxy S24 Ultra and base Galaxy S24 models fifth and ninth, respectively. Counterpoint partially attributed this success to Samsung's early launch of the S24 lineup, which was one of the first to feature new generative AI technologies.

Counterpoint analysts expect premium phones over $600 to take up an even greater share of the overall smartphone market. In addition, performance leadership in areas like AI will be key differentiators for Samsung and Apple.