During Q1 2026, the base iPhone 17 became the world’s top-selling smartphone, outdoing not only the competition but also the premium iPhone models.

Across the world, and especially in key markets like China and the United States, the iPhone 17 range has proven to be quite popular with consumers. Apple made that clear when it revealed its record-breaking March quarter results.

Apple experienced a 20% increase in iPhone sales in China during Q1 2026, while iPhone revenue grew to $85.3 billion, up from $69.1 a year prior. The driving force during the quarter, according to Counterpoint Research, was the base model iPhone 17, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro following.

The standard iPhone 17 accounted for 6% of all new smartphones sold in Q1 2026, making it the best-selling smartphone in the world.

While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max dominated the smartphone upgrade wave in Q4 2025, the more affordable model is now in the lead. This is typical for the iPhone.

After the debut of new models in September, Apple enthusiasts get the latest and greatest premium models first. That demand dies down early the following year, and the sales trend towards the more affordable models.

The standard iPhone 17 led global smartphone sales during Q1 2026. Image Credit: Counterpoint Research

That demand cycle could be one of the driving factors towards Apple moving to a twice-a-year release cycle. The Pro models are expected in the fall starting with iPhone 18 Pro, then standard models in the spring of 2027.

The standard iPhone 17 now has compelling ‘Pro’ features

In 2026, there’s even less of a reason to go for the high-end iPhone models. The standard iPhone 17 now features ProMotion, and it offers the same screen size as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The two devices are now closer than ever, with the absence of a telephoto camera being practically the only thing to differentiate the iPhone 17 from its Pro counterpart. That and price.

For most smartphone buyers, it looks as though the base model iPhone 17 offers a good balance of cost and features.

The iPhone Air, meanwhile, isn’t even among the top 10 best-selling smartphones in the world for Q1 2026. Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone has been called a failure, even though it’s demonstrably not the case. According to Monday’s report, though, it’s not exactly much of a success, either.

The iPhone 17 offers features like ProMotion, which was previously exclusive to high-end models.

Behind the iPhone 17 range sits Samsung, with its Galaxy A07 5G and Galaxy A17 5G. In sixth place is the standard iPhone 16, followed by two more phones from Samsung and the Xiaomi Redmi A5.

Overall, it’s not much of a surprise that the base model iPhone 17 is doing so well, given iPhone purchase patterns over the years. Enthusiasts and Apple fans generally go for the feature-packed, high-end models, while the base iPhone reaches its full potential later in the year.

However, the situation is expected to change in the first quarter of 2027.

A different strategy starting in the fall

It’s been said that the iPhone 18 will debut alongside the iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027. That means it most likely won’t be available for purchase during Q1 2027, meaning the quarter will be dominated by another model.

Rumors suggest Apple’s first foldable phone will launch either in September 2026 or maybe even as late as December of the same year. Even if the iPhone Fold reaches upgraders later than the usual September release, it won’t have much effect on the quarterly results or overall demand.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will sell well to those that already purchase premium iPhones in the fall. The challenge that Apple will face is how customers respond to a lack of a new low-end model in the same time period.