Apple Dominates the Global Smartphone Market in 2024: iPhone 15 Emerges as Best-Selling Smartphone

In 2024, Apple maintained its dominance in the global smartphone market. According to Canalys' recent estimates, Apple had seven of the ten most shipped smartphones. The iPhone 15 led the list. Samsung was the only other brand in the top ten, with its Galaxy A15, A15 5G, and S24 Ultra models.

Apple's Market Performance

The iPhone 15 accounted for about 3% of the 1.22 billion smartphones shipped globally in 2024. This translates to approximately 36.6 million units of this model being sold last year. Following closely were the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max as the second and third most shipped devices.

Samsung's Galaxy A15 secured fourth place in the rankings, while Apple's iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 followed sequentially. The Galaxy A15 5G was eighth, and the S24 Ultra took ninth place. The tenth spot was occupied by Apple's older model, the iPhone 13.

Trends in Premium Segment

A notable shift from last year is that five out of the top ten devices were flagship models compared to four previously. Canalys indicates that consumers are increasingly opting for premium models like Apple's Pro and Pro Max or Samsung's Ultra series.

The three-year-old iPhone 13 still managed to capture a significant share of shipments, accounting for 1.5% or about 18.3 million units globally. This demonstrates continued consumer interest in older yet reliable models.

Samsung's Position

Samsung made a mark with its Galaxy A15 series and S24 Ultra model making it into the top ten list alongside Apple's offerings. These models highlight Samsung's ability to compete effectively in both mid-range and premium segments.

The data underscores Apple's stronghold on the smartphone market with its diverse range of devices appealing to various consumer preferences. Meanwhile, Samsung continues to maintain a competitive edge with strategic product placements.