Despite the fact that Apple launched the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max this year, and welcomed the iPhone XR into the world the year before, it’s Apple’s less expensive model that’s raking in the popularity.
That’s according to data from Counterpoint Research this week. The firm indicates that, across the globe, Apple’s iPhone XR has been the most popular model every quarter since the fourth quarter of 2018. Specifically, it’s been the top-selling model globally. As noted in the research, Apple cut the price of the iPhone XR in China in early 2019, which appears to have been a good move for the company.
According to Counterpoint Research’s Market Pulse, the iPhone XR was the top-selling model globally in Q3 2019, capturing 3% market share. In fact, except for the launch quarter in September 2018, iPhone XR has been the top-selling model globally in every quarter since Q4 2018. The XR alone contributed to over one-quarter of the total Apple sales during the quarter, making it the bestselling model for Apple across all regions. Apple also adjusted the price of the iPhone XR in China and several other markets, which helped keep demand strong during the quarter. The iPhone 11 also made its debut in the top 10 within the launch quarter.
So, how does the rest of the list shake out for the third quarter of this year? Well, according to the data presented by Counterpoint Research, it looks like this:
- Apple iPhone XR (3% market share)
- Samsung Galaxy A10 (2.6% market share)
- Samsung Galaxy A50 (1.9% market share)
- Oppo A9 (1.6% market share)
- Apple iPhone 11 (1.6% market share)
- Oppo A5s (1.5% market share)
- Samsung Galaxy A20 (1.4% market share)
- Oppo A5 (1.3% market share)
- Xiaomi Redmi 7a (1.2% market share)
- Huawei P30 (1.1% market share)
It’s interesting to see that Samsung‘s only contribution to this list of top-selling phones across the globe is from the less expensive A-series of handsets. Of course, with three spots filled up by Samsung devices that’s still good news for the company. But it probably would’ve been nice to get at least one of the Galaxy S10-branded handsets on the board, too. Especially when you’ve got the iPhone 11 on there.
Here’s CR’s take on Samsung’s presence on the list:
Samsung had three models in the top 10, all from the A series. Samsung discontinued its J series and brought the A series to lower price tiers. A series had a more premium perception than the J series. The new devices came with competing specs and design features, affordable price and Samsung’s strong brand perception (especially in the mid-segment) which provided an excellent value proposition to consumers. This was also strategically aligned with global trade-up trend. The A-series also gained some share from HONOR. However, there were no flagships from Samsung in the top 10 list.
Word on the street is that Apple is working on what’s being lovingly referred to as the “iPhone SE 2”, which could see Apple introducing yet another less expensive iPhone model (compared to the flagship units). If that is indeed the case and we see 2020 welcome that handset, these iPhone XR sales numbers could suggest Apple will have another hit on its hands.
If you bought a new iPhone this year, which model did you go with?