Apple’s iPhone 16 may no longer be the newest iPhone on the shelf, but it’s quietly accomplished something big. According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 16 (Review) was the best-selling smartphone in the world in 2025, beating out new rivals and proving that being “old” doesn’t always mean being irrelevant.

The report shows that Apple and Samsung continued to dominate global smartphone sales for the fourth consecutive year, with both accounting for 19 percent of all phones sold worldwide. Apple alone took seven of the top ten spots, while Samsung took the remaining three spots. Topping the list is the iPhone 16, a phone launched in 2024 that is still selling in huge numbers today.

What makes it even more interesting is the timing. Apple launched the iPhone 17 series in September and those phones also sold well. In fact, the iPhone 17 lineup recorded 16 percent higher sales than the iPhone 16 series during its first full quarter, helped by strong demand in the US, China, and Western Europe. The base iPhone 17 (Review) model performed particularly well, thanks to upgrades like a smoother 120Hz display and twice the base storage.

Still, despite the new models grabbing headlines, the iPhone 16 continued to attract buyers across all markets. Apple still sells the device as part of its current lineup in India starting at Rs 69,900, and the decision appears to have been profitable.

iPhone 16: Why is this old iPhone still beating new phones around the world?

First of all, it sits in the right price range for most buyers.

The iPhone 16 offers a premium Apple experience without venturing into overly expensive territory. Compared to Pro models and high-end Android phones, this seems easy to justify. Over time, prices stabilized across different regions through offers and carrier plans, making it a comfortable option for those who want a reliable iPhone without spending extra on features they don’t need.

Second, its performance is more than adequate for everyday use.

Powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the iPhone 16 still feels fast in daily life. Apps load fast, games run smoothly, and Apple Intelligence features are supported without strain. For most users, there is little difference between this and much newer hardware, especially for tasks like social media, photography, streaming, and work apps.

Third, long-term software support gives buyers peace of mind.

One of Apple’s greatest strengths is its consistency with updates. Buyers know that the iPhone 16 will receive iOS updates, security patches, and new features for years. This assurance matters globally, especially in markets where people keep their phones for longer periods of time. This makes the phone feel like a safer long-term purchase than many alternatives.

Fourth, Apple’s ecosystem continues to hold back users.

For many buyers, the decision isn’t just about the phone. AirPods, Apple Watch, FaceTime, iCloud, and iMessage all work best in Apple’s ecosystem. iPhone 16 directly benefits from this loyalty. In countries like India and parts of Europe, many users are upgrading from much older iPhones, making the move to the iPhone 16 seem worthwhile, even if it isn’t brand new.

Counterpoint’s data also shows how Apple’s broader lineup helped maintain momentum. The more affordable iPhone 16e, launched in spring 2025 with a starting price of Rs 59,900, brought new users into Apple’s ecosystem and added to overall sales. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max (Review) rose to fourth place globally in just three and a half months, seeing strong demand at the top tier as well.

On the Android side, Samsung is still maintaining a solid presence. The Galaxy A16 5G emerged as the best-selling Android phone in 2025 and ranked fifth overall. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also returned to the top ten in Japan with sales increasing by more than three times year-on-year.

Still, the bigger story is Apple. Transforming the iPhone 16 family into a global sales leader in 2025, as well as pushing the new iPhone 17 models up the rankings within a few months, shows how strong Apple’s grip on the market remains.

The iPhone 16 isn’t winning because it introduced something dramatic. It’s winning because it offers exactly what most people want, which is stable performance, familiar software, reliable cameras, and years of support, at a price that feels easy to live with. And in today’s smartphone market, that combination is often stronger than novelty.