iPhone 6s Named World's Most Popular Smartphone Ahead of iPhone 7

The latest data from research firm Strategy Analytics shows that Apple currently accounts for two of the three top-selling smartphone models shipped worldwide.

iphone_6s_2q16_strategy_analytics
iPhone 6s was the world's top-selling smartphone in the second quarter of 2016, based on an estimated 14.2 million shipments, while the two-year-old iPhone 6 trailed in second with an estimated 8.5 million shipments.

Strategy Analytics added that the iPhone 6s is "currently the world's most popular smartphone," implying that it has remained the top-selling smartphone through the third quarter leading up to the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Both the iPhone 6s and two-year-old iPhone 6 outsold Samsung's newer Galaxy S7 edge, released in March 2016, which finished third with an estimated 8.3 million shipments in the second quarter.

Apple officially reported sales of 40.4 million iPhones during the second quarter, including the iPhone 6s Plus and older models.

iPhone 7 models could remain the top-selling smartphones worldwide through the holiday shopping season after Samsung's voluntary Galaxy Note7 recall due to isolated incidents of exploding batteries. Some analysts forecast the "heartbreaking" recall could cost Samsung between $1 billion and $5 billion in revenue.

Popular Stories

2007 iPhone

Apple Discontinuing This 18-Year-Old iPhone Feature

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:51 pm PST by
The end of an 18-year era is on the horizon for the iPhone. Apple reportedly plans to announce a new iPhone SE as soon as next week, and the device is expected to feature a full-screen design with Face ID, instead of a Touch ID home button. That means Apple will no longer sell any new iPhone models with a home button, for the first time since the original iPhone launched. The home button...
oppo find n5 fingers

World's Thinnest Foldable Phone Launches Next Week

Monday February 10, 2025 3:05 am PST by
Oppo has confirmed a February 20 global launch for its Find N5, which the company claims is the world's thinnest device in the foldable phone category. The phone is expected to be re-branded as the OnePlus Open 2 in the US. The Chinese vendor has been teasing the device in the last few weeks, touting its waterproofing and nearly invisible display crease, and highlighting its thinness by compa...
m2 macbook air blue

M4 MacBook Air Release Continues to Appear Imminent

Monday February 10, 2025 10:56 am PST by
There continue to be signs of a new MacBook Air with an M4 chip, indicating that we could see the machine launch in the not too distant future. A private account on X today shared the identifiers that the MacBook Air will use, and those identifiers correspond to the M4 chip. According to the source, both the 13-inch MacBook Air and the 15-inch MacBook Air will be equipped with Apple's...
sequoia

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.3.1

Monday February 10, 2025 10:11 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, a minor update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that came out last September. macOS 15.3.1 comes a few weeks after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.3. Mac users can download the ‌‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. Apple has also released macOS 13.7.4 and macOS 14.7.4 for those who are...
watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1

Apple Releases watchOS 11.3.1

Monday February 10, 2025 10:04 am PST by
Apple today released watchOS 11.3.1, a minor update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.3.1 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2. watchOS 11.3.1 can be downloaded by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to...
apple silicon mac lineup 2024 feature purple

Apple Increases Mac Trade-In Values for a Limited Time

Sunday February 9, 2025 3:53 pm PST by
Apple today increased its estimated trade-in values for select Mac models in the United States, with the full changes outlined below. Apple says the extra trade-in credit for select Macs is available with the purchase of an eligible new Apple device through April 2. The trade-in values increased by between $10 and $50. Model New Value Old Value MacBook Pro Up to $925 ...
Powerbeats Pro 2 Orange

Powerbeats Pro 2 Given to Customer Early, Expected to Debut Tomorrow

Monday February 10, 2025 7:42 am PST by
Apple's long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 are finally expected to be announced this Tuesday. Ahead of time, one lucky Walmart customer was able to get their hands on the earbuds early, according to a since-deleted Reddit post over the weekend. A leaked image of the Powerbeats Pro 2 in Electric Orange "My local Walmart had them in the cage," the Reddit user explained. "I asked if I can buy them...
iOS 18

Apple Releases iOS 18.3.1 With Bug Fixes

Monday February 10, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, minor updates for the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.3.1 comes two weeks after Apple released iOS 18.3. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iPadOS 17.7.5 for those still running...

Top Rated Comments

Someone256 Avatar
110 months ago
This phone is a complete beast, I won't replace my 6s for at least 3 years.

After coming from android (Galaxy s6) 6 months ago to the i6s I feel like the iPhone is in its own league and android is just a cheap Chinese copy, that's how it feels to me.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
110 months ago
Most impressive iPhone since the 4, in my opinion. Stonkingly good hardware. Touch ID is instantaneous. I personally don't mind the design, protruding camera and all.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
110 months ago
I'm still really happy that Apple put nearly everything I care about from the 6S into the SE, which for me has a superior form factor (both in size and shape, IMHO). I agree with those who say the 4/4S was their favourite ever though.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
110 months ago
Whether this info is totally accurate or not, I love my 6S Plus and I'm sure everyone will be clamoring for the next one too.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
melendezest Avatar
110 months ago
The iPhone 6 and the (high-horsepower) 6S represent Apple's long, long awaited foray into larger-screen-phone land.

It's no surprise they are the most popular phones around. Not to mention their brand cachet.

They are excellent devices in their own right. And for those who like to keep it simple, they are outstanding devices (as all Apple products are in their "limited" niche).

Say anything you will about Apple, but I will say this:

Apple devices may not do everything others can, but what they do set out to do, they (arguably) do it better than anyone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
otternonsense Avatar
110 months ago
And the 7 will make it even more popular, especially with those who don't want to part with the headphone jack just yet.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)