In a recent report released by Counterpoint Research, the high-end iPhone models have outshined their competitors, claiming the top positions in global smartphone shipments for Q1 2024. This latest data provides a fascinating insight into consumer preferences and the dynamic landscape of the smartphone market.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Leads the Pack
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Apple's iPhone Pro lineup evidently became more popular in the first quarter of 2024 when it bested Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as the top-selling handset globally.
The report, published on Counterpoint's website, highlights that Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max was the most popular model, followed closely by the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 14. These models surpassed the sales of Samsung's flagship device, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which ranked fifth.
Related Article: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which is the Ultimate Smartphone?
How Did Samsung Smartphones Fare Against iPhones
Despite Samsung's flagship model's performance, its mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A15 5G and A54, also showed strong sales, ranking sixth and seventh respectively.
Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone 15 Plus took the eighth spot, while the Galaxy S24 and A34 completed the list of the top ten best-selling smartphones.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
Counterpoint's analysis suggests a shift in consumer buying patterns, with a notable increase in preference for high-end models. This is the first time the iPhone Pro Max variant has secured the top spot outside of Apple's usual seasonal sales peak, indicating a bg interest in premium smartphones. The report estimates that sales of iPhone Pro models contributed to over 60% of Apple's total smartphone revenue.
Longevity Influences Market Trends
The research firm also noted that consumers are holding onto their devices longer, which may be influencing a change toward purchasing higher-end models when they do decide to upgrade. According to 9to5Mac, this trend is expected to continue, potentially leading to a higher concentration of top-tier smartphones in future sales data.
Economic Impact
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Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks during a launch event for the new Apple iPhone 15 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 12, 2023.
Despite the dominance of high-end models, overall iPhone sales saw a decline of 10% in Q1 2024 compared to the same quarter in the previous year. However, the Cupertino giant was able to offset this dip with a strong performance in its Services sector, helping to stabilize overall revenue for the quarter.
As smartphone users increasingly opt for premium models and extend the lifecycle of their devices, Counterpoint anticipates that top-tier smartphones will capture an even larger share of the market in the upcoming periods.
Even then, Apple struggled to keep up with other phone makers in China as iPhone shipments fell to 5th place.
As Tech Times reported last month, Apple trailed behind Huawei, the leading company in the Chinese smartphone market.
Apple saw a 25% decline in shipments or around 10 million units in China. On the other hand, Huawei recorded a 70% increase. It managed to ship 11.7 million handsets in Q1 2024.
Read Also: iPhone 15 Pro: 5 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade or Make the Switch
