iPhone 15 Pro Max Reigns Supreme: Apple's Flagship Dominates Global Smartphone Sales in 1H24

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max has once again solidified its position as the world's top-selling smartphone, capturing the coveted top spot in the first half of 2024 (1H24). According to Omdia, a leading research firm, Apple shipped an impressive 21.8 million units of their flagship device, marking the second consecutive year that the iPhone Pro Max has led the market.

The iPhone Pro Max's Continued Dominance

In 2023, the iPhone 14 Pro Max secured the top position with 26.5 million units shipped. This remarkable feat, achieved despite a period of high inflation, underscores the enduring allure of the iPhone Pro Max for consumers. The continued success of the Pro Max model can be attributed to several factors, including its powerful performance, innovative features, and premium design. The iPhone Pro Max offers users a seamless and intuitive experience, coupled with advanced camera capabilities, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Interestingly, demand for the standard iPhone 15 also saw a significant surge, with 17.8 million units shipped. This represents a notable increase compared to the 16.5 million units shipped for the regular iPhone 14 during the same period last year. This surge in demand can be attributed to the introduction of key improvements in the iPhone 15, such as the new A17 chip, which offers faster processing speeds and enhanced efficiency. The iPhone 15 also features improved camera technology and an enhanced display, making it a compelling option for consumers looking for a high-performance smartphone at a more affordable price point.

Other iPhone models also made it to the top 10 best-selling smartphones globally. The iPhone 15 Pro sold 16.9 million units, while the iPhone 15 Plus sold 3.7 million units. While the iPhone 15 Pro has continued to be a popular choice for consumers who value premium features and performance, the iPhone 15 Plus seems to have attracted less interest compared to other models in the iPhone 15 series. This could be due to its larger size and higher price, making it less appealing to a broader audience.

Looking Ahead: The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Beyond

Omdia predicts that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, slated to launch on September 20, 2024, will once again be the most sought-after model in the iPhone 16 series. Even though the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will boast significant upgrades, including the latest A18 chipset with Apple Intelligence AI technology, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to remain the star. This expectation stems from the persistent demand for the Pro Max model's premium features and performance, which are likely to be further enhanced in the upcoming iteration. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is anticipated to offer a refined camera system, a more powerful processor, and a larger display, making it a formidable contender for the title of the world's best-selling smartphone.

Samsung's Galaxy A15 4G secured third place with 17.3 million units shipped, making it the best-selling Android smartphone in the first half of 2024. The Galaxy A15 4G has successfully followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy A14 4G, which sold 12.4 million units last year. The Galaxy A15 4G's success can be attributed to its combination of affordability, decent performance, and a long-lasting battery. This model has been particularly popular in emerging markets, where it offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra also earned a top 5 spot, with 12.6 million units shipped. This marks a sharp increase compared to the 9.6 million units shipped for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra last year. The popularity of the Samsung S24 series may be attributed to the introduction of Galaxy AI technology, which enhances various aspects of the user experience, including photography, voice assistants, and productivity. The Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a powerful processor, a stunning display, and a premium design, solidifying its position as a top contender in the premium smartphone market.

A Look at the Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones

Here are the top 10 best-selling smartphones globally in the first half of 2024:

1. iPhone 15 Pro Max
2. iPhone 15
3. Samsung Galaxy A15 4G
4. iPhone 15 Pro
5. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
6. iPhone 13
7. Samsung A15 5G
8. Xiaomi Redmi 13C
9. iPhone 14
10. Samsung Galaxy A05

A Bright Future for the High-End Segment

While Omdia predicts a decline in overall smartphone shipments during the last six months of 2024 due to the unstable economic conditions, the high-end segment is anticipated to see growth. Jusy Hong, Senior Research Manager at Omdia, believes that demand for low-end smartphones will likely weaken as pent-up demand from the pandemic subsides. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including the increasing cost of living and the saturation of the low-end smartphone market.

However, the high-end segment is expected to benefit from a stable replacement cycle and new demand from emerging markets. The rise of generative AI technology is also expected to encourage high-end smartphone replacements. Consumers are increasingly seeking powerful devices that can handle advanced AI-powered applications, leading to a surge in demand for high-end smartphones with powerful processors and specialized AI chips. As a result, the high-end smartphone market is poised to remain a strong performer despite the global economic uncertainty.