iPhone 16 Wins Best-Selling Phone of 2025

Counterpoint Research has released its Global Handset Model Sales Tracker for the past year, and the results show that the iPhone 16 was the most popular smartphone in 2025.

Not only did Apple take the top spot, but they also dominated nearly the entire top 10 list. This performance helped Apple maintain its position as a global leader in premium devices, even as competition in the Android space intensifies.

According to the report, the top four spots were a clean sweep for Apple. The standard iPhone 16 took the gold medal, followed closely by the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro. Interestingly, even though it was only on sale for the final quarter of the year, the iPhone 17 Pro Max managed to land in fourth place.

Samsung’s presence on the list was led by the Galaxy A16 5G, which remains a top choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, Apple’s ability to sell high-end “Pro” models in such massive quantities is what truly sets them apart from the competition.

The success of the base iPhone 16 is a notable shift. In previous years, the “Pro” models often saw the most momentum, but in 2025, the standard model reclaimed the throne. Analysts point to a few key reasons for this.

First, the introduction of Apple Intelligence across the entire 16 lineup gave standard-model buyers a reason to upgrade without needing to spend “Pro” money. Everyone wanted the new AI features, and you didn’t need the most expensive phone to get them. Second, strong carrier promotions in the U.S. and Canada made it very easy for people to trade in older devices for the newest model.

While the iPhone 16 was the overall winner for the year, the late-year surge of the iPhone 17 series cannot be ignored. The base iPhone 17 recorded the strongest growth of any model on the list, showing that people are still lining up for the latest tech as soon as it drops.

Rogers and Fido have recently restocked certified pre-owned iPhone 16 (128GB) models, offering the phones at a discounted outright price.