The iPhone 15’s stellar performance in 2024 has taken many by surprise, as it soared to the top of the best-selling smartphone list, outpacing Apple’s own flagship models including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Despite these premium models being equipped with innovative features like the tetraprism telephoto lens, the appeal of the base model iPhone 15 was undeniable.
According to recent insights, the iPhone 15 Pro Max trailed closely behind its base model sibling, claiming the second spot, with the iPhone 15 Pro securing third place. The fascinating trend comes from consumers increasingly favoring Apple’s Pro variants. For the first time, these models represented more than half of Apple’s annual smartphone sales, as noted by Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan.
The success of these models, especially in the rapidly evolving markets of the US and China, was partly driven by enticing financing plans and trade-in offers. These incentives played a pivotal role in making the premium iPhones more attainable, fueling a shift towards high-end devices even in emerging markets. This strategy notably propelled Apple to feature among India’s top five smartphone brands during the last quarter of 2024.
Meanwhile, Samsung, Apple’s fiercest competitor in the smartphone arena, along with its Galaxy lineup, showed impressive sales figures too. The Galaxy A15 4G and Galaxy A05 made it to the top 10 best sellers, illustrating that more affordable models still hold significant consumer appeal. Interestingly, the high-end Galaxy S24 Ultra landed in seventh place, while the Galaxy A05 rounded out the list at tenth.
Looking ahead, the iPhone 16 Pro Max made rapid strides after its late 2024 debut, earning the fifth spot among bestsellers. This trajectory suggests that Apple’s base iPhone 16 might take the lead in 2025, thanks to its capability to handle AAA games and generative AI features, potentially increasing its appeal in various markets. As the dynamics of consumer preferences continue to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how Apple and its competitors adapt to maintain their foothold in this competitive landscape.
