The standard iPhone 17 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026.
During the first quarter of 2026, the base iPhone 17 became the best-selling smartphone in the world, outperforming not only the competition but also premium iPhone models.
Across the world, and particularly in key markets like China and the United States, the iPhone 17 range has proven to be very popular with consumers. Apple made this clear when it revealed its record March quarter results.
Apple saw a 20% increase in iPhone sales in China in the first quarter of 2026, as iPhone revenue reached $85.3 billion, up from $69.1 a year earlier. The driving force of the quarter, according to Search for counterpointwas the base model of the iPhone 17, followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro.
The standard iPhone 17 accounted for 6% of all new smartphones sold in the first quarter of 2026, making it the best-selling smartphone in the world.
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max dominated the wave of smartphone upgrades in Q4 2025, the more affordable model is now in the lead. This is typical of the iPhone.
After new models launch in September, Apple enthusiasts will get the latest and greatest high-end models first. This demand diminishes at the start of the following year and sales tend towards more affordable models.
The standard iPhone 17 dominated global smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2026. Image credit: Counterpoint Research
This demand cycle could be one of the deciding factors for Apple moving to a semi-annual release cycle. The Pro models are expected in the fall, starting with the iPhone 18 Pro, then the standard models in spring 2027.
The standard iPhone 17 now has compelling ‘Pro’ features
In 2026, there are even fewer reasons to opt for high-end iPhone models. The standard iPhone 17 now features ProMotion and offers the same screen size as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The two devices are now closer than ever, with the lack of a telephoto lens practically the only thing that differentiates the iPhone 17 from its Pro counterpart. That and the price.
For most smartphone buyers, it seems like the base model iPhone 17 strikes a good balance between cost and features.
The iPhone Air, meanwhile, isn’t even in the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the world in the first quarter of 2026. Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone has been called a failure, even though it clearly isn’t. However, according to Monday’s report, it’s not a big success either.
The iPhone 17 offers features like ProMotion, which were previously exclusive to high-end models.
Behind the iPhone 17 range lies Samsung, with its Galaxy A07 5G and Galaxy A17 5G. In sixth place is the standard iPhone 16, followed by two other phones from Samsung and the Xiaomi Redmi A5.
Overall, it’s not really surprising that the base iPhone 17 model is doing so well, considering iPhone buying habits over the years. Apple enthusiasts and fans typically opt for the feature-rich high-end models, while the base iPhone reaches its full potential later in the year.
However, the situation is expected to change in the first quarter of 2027.
A different strategy from the fall
It has been said that the iPhone 18 will debut alongside the iPhone 18e in spring 2027. This means that it will likely not be available for purchase during the first quarter of 2027, meaning that the quarter will be dominated by another model.
Rumors suggest that Apple’s first foldable phone will launch either in September 2026, or perhaps even in December of the same year. Even if the iPhone Fold arrives for upgrades later than the usual September release, it won’t have much effect on quarterly results or overall demand.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will sell well to those already shopping for high-end iPhones in the fall. The challenge Apple will face is how customers will react to the lack of a new low-end model during the same period.