Tech giants Apple and Samsung captured every spot in the global top ten best selling smartphones during the second quarter of 2026, according to research firm Counterpoint Research.
The base iPhone 17 claimed the top ranking globally, accounting for six percent of all smartphones sold worldwide between April and June.
Apple also secured second and third positions with its premium iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro models. The iPhone 17e finished in sixth place, while the iPhone 16 took tenth place to give Apple five entries overall.
Counterpoint Research is a global market analysis firm tracking mobile hardware shipments. Apple, based in Cupertino, California, relies on the iPhone line for the majority of its consumer hardware revenues.
Analysts at Counterpoint Research noted that the standard iPhone 17 maintained sales leadership because the technology gap between base and Pro versions has narrowed. Strong demand for the expensive iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max was sustained by trade in programs, discounts, and installment plans.
Samsung rankings and market share
Samsung Electronics was the only other manufacturer in the top ten. The flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra reached fourth place, followed by the budget Galaxy A07 4G in fifth place, the Galaxy A17 5G in sixth place, and the Galaxy A17 4G in eighth place. The base Galaxy S26 5G placed ninth.
Three of Samsung's five models in the top ten were budget phones in the lowest price segment. Samsung, based in South Korea, uses its Galaxy lineup to serve budget buyers alongside flagship consumers.
Together, the top ten models represented over 25 percent of global smartphone sales in the quarter, up two percentage points from a year earlier. Apple sales grew five percent year on year despite an overall market decline.
Upcoming flagship announcements
Looking ahead, Apple confirmed it will present its new iPhone line on September 9. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a variable aperture camera for the first time, while the Dynamic Island display cutout will shrink by about 35 percent as the infrared projector moves under the screen.
Dynamic Island is Apple's interactive screen interface integrating notifications with camera hardware. Moving sensors under the glass increases usable screen area.
Samsung plans to present its flagship Galaxy S27 line at the start of 2027, with four models expected: the Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27+, Galaxy S27 Pro, and Galaxy S27 Ultra.
