Global smartphone sales figures for the first half of 2023 are in, showing Apple’s unprecedented dominance. According to the research company Omdia, the Apple brand took the top three places in the ranking of best-selling models during this period with three models of its latest generation of premium smartphones, the iPhone 14 series.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max: the world’s best-selling smartphone in 2023
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has established itself as the best-selling phone in the world in the first half of 2023. With nearly 26.5 million units sold, this premium model has won the hearts of consumers. Consumers despite its high price: from 1479 euros in France!
A success that can be attributed above all to the exceptional properties of this technical jewel. Equipped with a high-quality screen, a powerful camera and impressive computing power, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers an optimal user experience. In addition, with this model Apple further expands customer loyalty thanks to its unique ecosystem that allows perfect integration between the brand’s different devices.
Apple also dominates the rest of the rankings
In addition to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple also occupies the other podium places in this ranking of the best-selling smartphones in the first half of 2023. In second place we find the iPhone 14 Pro, closely followed by the iPhone 14, the cheaper version of this iPhone generation.
Fourth place goes to the iPhone 13, which continues to resonate with consumers since its release in late 2021. Finally, note the iPhone 11, which closes the rankings in tenth place.
This dominance of Apple is evidence of consumers’ growing preference for the Apple brand and its high-end models. While the market for mid-range and low-end smartphones has been declining since last year, more and more consumers are turning to the Cupertino giant’s top models.
Samsung is fighting back
Samsung suffers from Apple’s dominance and still manages to position itself in the sales ranking for the first half of 2023. The South Korean giant is the only other manufacturer in this top 10, occupying the five remaining spots with various models Galaxy series.
Also in the lot is a premium model, the Galaxy S23 Ultra (6th with 9.6 million units sold). But the manufacturer’s mid-range particularly stands out here with the Galaxy A14 (5th place in the ranking), the Galaxy A14 5G, the Galaxy A54 5G and the Galaxy A34 5G. These Samsung smartphones impress consumers with their performance and their attractive price-performance ratio.
The smartphone market in 2023: an unexpected development
The ranking of the best-selling smartphones in the first half of 2023 shows a general trend in the market. While the market for mid-range and lower-end smartphones is experiencing a decline, consumer preference for high-end models dominated by Apple continues to rise.
This development is partly due to the economic recession, which is forcing consumers to prioritize the quality and performance of smartphones. In addition, the growing demand for high-end smartphones in emerging markets strengthens Apple’s position as a market leader.
Forecasts for the second half of 2023
According to analysts, the trend observed in the first half of 2023 is expected to continue in the second half. Apple is therefore likely to continue to dominate the market with its iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, the successor to the flagship model, is also eagerly awaited. This new model, usually scheduled for September, is rumored to be even more powerful and offer innovative features such as a periscope lens for better optical zoom. The American giant hopes that this new flagship will represent between 35 and 40% of total sales, thereby strengthening its dominance in the market.