Counterpoint Research names the iPhone 17 best-selling smartphone of Q2 2026, with 6% of global unit sales, according to its Global Handset Model Sales Tracker.
Apple swept the top three spots, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro following the base model. Apple and Samsung each claimed five places in the top 10, which together account for 26% of global sales — the highest concentration for a June quarter, up two points year on year, delivered while the overall market fell 11%.
“Apple’s unit sales grew 5% YoY despite a broader market decline. iPhone sales increased across India, Japan, and the MEA, and nearly doubled in South Korea in Q2 2026, driven by the iPhone 17 series.”
Karn Chauhan, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research
The iPhone 17 best-selling smartphone run
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra was the best-selling Android smartphone of the quarter — the first time an ultra-premium Android device has led Android sales in a June quarter — rising five places on the list and accounting for more than half of S26 series sales.
“The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra was the best-selling Android smartphone, marking the first time an ultra-premium Android device has led Android sales in a June quarter.”
Harshit Rastogi, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint attributes the top-10 concentration to the global RAM shortage, which is pushing brands to focus on premium and key volume models. Apple’s trade-in programmes, promotions and financing helped drive the Pro models, while the iPhone 17e held its place in the US and Japan after gaining MagSafe and more storage at last year’s price.
What it means in the UAE
MEA is one of the regions Counterpoint names as driving iPhone growth — the same premium shift that has been nudging iPhone prices up in the UAE and pushing consumers towards higher-priced phones. The base iPhone 17 is where most of the volume sits, and its Q2 result follows the family’s strong run so far this year.
Some links in this article are affiliate links; tbreak may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
What was the best-selling smartphone in Q2 2026?
The iPhone 17, with 6% of global unit sales, ahead of the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro, per Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker.
How did Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra perform?
It was the best-selling Android smartphone of Q2 2026 — the first time an ultra-premium Android device has led Android sales in a June quarter — rising five places on the list.
Why did the top 10 concentrate 26% of global sales?
Counterpoint ties the concentration to the global RAM shortage, which pushed brands to focus on premium and key volume models rather than spreading across a wide range.
