iPhone 15 Crowned Best-Selling Smartphone of 2024, Samsung Secures Spots with Three Models: Canalys Report

In 2024, Apple’s iPhone 15 emerged as the best-selling smartphone globally, according to a report by market research firm Canalys. Despite a slight 1% decline in Apple’s overall smartphone shipments, which totaled 225.9 million units for the year, the tech giant maintained its dominance in the market. Samsung also made a strong showing, with three of its models securing spots in the top 10 best-selling smartphones list.

Key Highlights from the Report:

Apple led the market with seven iPhone models in the top 10 best-selling smartphones of 2024.

Global smartphone shipments grew by 7% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 1.22 billion units, marking the first recovery after two consecutive years of decline.

Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G was the only non-Apple device to break into the top five best-selling smartphones.

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, launched in September 2024, became a major success despite its late entry into the market.

Apple’s Dominance in 2024

Apple continued to dominate the smartphone market, securing the top spot in Q4 2024 with a 23% market share, driven by the popularity of its iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 15 claimed the title of the best-selling smartphone of the year, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max in second and third places, respectively. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro rounded out the top five, showcasing the brand’s stronghold on the premium smartphone segment.

Samsung’s Performance

Samsung, while finishing just behind Apple in overall shipments, saw a 1% decline in its 2024 shipments, totaling 222.9 million units. The South Korean tech giant managed to secure three spots in the top 10 best-selling smartphones list, with its budget-friendly Galaxy A15 5G ranking fourth. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship model, also made the list, highlighting the brand’s ability to compete in both the mid-range and premium segments.

Other Key Players

Xiaomi continued its upward trajectory, securing third place globally with a 15% growth in shipments, totaling 168.6 million units. Transsion Holdings, the parent company of brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, ranked fourth, while Oppo (including OnePlus) rounded out the top five. Notably, no other brands besides Apple and Samsung managed to place a device in the top 10 best-selling smartphones list.

Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones of 2024:

iPhone 15

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 16

Samsung Galaxy A15

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

iPhone 13

Challenges Ahead in 2025

The report also highlighted potential challenges for the smartphone industry in 2025. With several markets reaching saturation, growth is expected to slow down. Vendors will need to strike a balance between short-term performance, inventory management, and long-term investments to maintain their competitive edge.

In summary, 2024 was a year of recovery for the global smartphone market, with Apple and Samsung leading the charge. While Apple’s iPhone 15 claimed the top spot, Samsung’s diverse portfolio ensured its presence in the top rankings. As the industry moves into 2025, brands will need to navigate a more complex landscape to sustain growth and innovation.