{"id":23825,"date":"2026-02-15T17:01:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T17:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/blog\/?p=23825"},"modified":"2026-02-18T10:47:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T10:47:28","slug":"the-iphone-16-was-the-best-selling-smartphone-in-q3-2025-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/blog\/the-iphone-16-was-the-best-selling-smartphone-in-q3-2025-why\/","title":{"rendered":"The iPhone 16 was the Best-Selling Smartphone in Q3 2025 \u2013 Why?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/apple-iphone-16\">iPhone 16<\/a> launched on September 20, 2024. By Q3 2025 (July-September 2025), it was over a year old. The <a href=\"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/apple-iphone-17\">iPhone 17<\/a> had already launched in September 2025. Yet somehow, the year-old iPhone 16 still outsold every other smartphone on the planet\u2014including Apple&#8217;s own brand-new iPhone 17 lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Counterpoint Research&#8217;s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the iPhone 16 captured 4% of the global smartphone market share in Q3 2025, holding the #1 position for the third consecutive quarter. This wasn&#8217;t a fluke. This was Apple&#8217;s carrier strategy, upgrade cycles, and regional execution working perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-did-a-year-old-phone-beat-the-new-iphone-17\">How Did a Year-Old Phone Beat the New iPhone 17?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The iPhone 17 lineup launched in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/newsroom\/2025\/09\/apple-debuts-iphone-17\/\">September 2025<\/a><\/strong>, right at the tail end of Q3. The <a href=\"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/apple-iphone-17-pro\">iPhone 17 Pro<\/a> Max managed to crack the top 10 at #10, becoming the best-selling phone in September 2025 specifically. But it had limited availability in Q3 since it only launched at the very end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 had the entire quarter to rack up sales. More importantly, <strong>carrier promotions heavily favored the iPhone 16<\/strong>. When someone walks into a carrier store considering an upgrade, they see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>iPhone 16: Free with trade-in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>iPhone 17: $200-400 more expensive even with trade-in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most buyers, the year-old iPhone 16 at $0 beats the brand-new iPhone 17 at $400 out of pocket. The features weren&#8217;t different enough to justify the premium for the average user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple&#8217;s strategy worked. Keep the previous generation heavily discounted through carriers, capture the mass market with iPhone 16, and let the iPhone 17 Pro models serve the premium segment. By the numbers, it paid off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cutting-edge-technology-and-performance\"><strong>Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart of the iPhone 16&#8217;s appeal is its powerful hardware. Equipped with Apple&#8217;s latest A18 chip, the smartphone offers exceptional speed and efficiency, handling demanding applications and intensive gaming seamlessly, which enhances the overall experience and allows for high frame rates and immersive graphics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The device further supports advanced augmented reality (AR) applications, making it a popular choice for both gaming and productivity tasks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to its processing capabilities, the iPhone 16 features an improved battery life, which allows users to enjoy their devices for longer periods without needing frequent recharges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The impressive battery capability is especially attractive to mobile users who rely on their smartphones throughout the day, whether for work, browsing, or even playing mobile games in their spare time, from Indie games and triple-A blockbuster titles to online&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unibet.co.uk\/casino\/slots\">slots<\/a>&nbsp;and cutting-edge live dealer games.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The iPhone 16 meets the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle, ensuring that users can stay connected without interruption. The iPhone 16&#8217;s meteoric rise to become the best-selling smartphone in Q3 2025 can be attributed to the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Powerful performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stunning design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovative features that cater to diverse user needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-were-the-actual-sales-numbers-by-model\">What Were the Actual Sales Numbers by Model?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/mobilemall.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/What-Were-the-Actual-Sales-Numbers-by-Model-1024x618.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23829\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple didn&#8217;t just take the top spot. They owned the entire top of the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Model<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Global Ranking Q3 2025<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Key Markets<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>iPhone 16<\/td><td>#1<\/td><td>Led for 3rd straight quarter, strong globally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iPhone 16 Pro<\/td><td>#2<\/td><td>US, UK, China preference<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iPhone 16 Pro Max<\/td><td>#3<\/td><td>#1 in US specifically<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iPhone 16e<\/td><td>#4<\/td><td>Budget option with A18 chip<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>iPhone 17 Pro Max<\/td><td>#10<\/td><td>Just launched, limited Q3 availability<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five of the top 10 global smartphones in Q3 2025 were iPhones. Samsung took the other five spots, all from their Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A16 5G was the #1 Android phone globally, but it ranked #6 overall\u2014behind Apple&#8217;s top four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, Apple and Samsung&#8217;s top 10 phones accounted for 20% of global smartphone sales in Q3 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-did-the-iphone-16-sell-the-most\">Where Did the iPhone 16 Sell the Most?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India drove unexpected growth.<\/strong> During the festive season (Diwali period falls in Q3), iPhone 16 sales surged thanks to carrier promotions and festival discounts. India normally has only 4% iOS market share\u2014it&#8217;s dominated by Android. But festive season pricing made the iPhone 16 accessible to buyers who&#8217;d never considered an iPhone before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Japan showed sustained recovery.<\/strong> After economic headwinds, Japan bounced back in Q3 2025. With 68.75% national iOS market share, Japan is already iPhone country. The iPhone 16 kept that dominance, helped by carrier subsidies and improved consumer spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>United States remained the core market.<\/strong> The iPhone 16 captured 20% of all smartphone sales in the US during Q4 2024, and that strength carried through Q3 2025. With 58.1% iOS market share, American buyers stick with iPhone. The iPhone 16 Pro Max was the most popular variant in the US specifically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>China was mixed.<\/strong> Chinese buyers waited for the iPhone 17 in premium segments. The iPhone 16 Pro models saw steep declines in China during Q3 2025 as buyers anticipated the new launch. But the base iPhone 16 held steady. China&#8217;s overall iOS market share sits at 22.37%\u2014significant volume despite competition from Huawei and Xiaomi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-regional-market-share-breakdown\">Regional Market Share Breakdown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Region<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>iOS Market Share<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>iPhone 16 Q3 2025 Performance<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>58.1%<\/td><td>Strong &#8211; 20% of all phone sales<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Japan<\/td><td>68.75%<\/td><td>Strong &#8211; sustained recovery<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>60.47%<\/td><td>Steady high share<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India<\/td><td>4.02%<\/td><td>Explosive growth during festive season<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>China<\/td><td>22.37%<\/td><td>Base 16 steady, Pro models declined<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UK<\/td><td>52.28%<\/td><td>Strong with carrier deals<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-iphone-16-variant-sold-best\">Which iPhone 16 Variant Sold Best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>base iPhone 16<\/strong> dominated sales globally. At $799 starting price (or free with carrier trade-ins), it hit the sweet spot. Users upgrading from iPhone 12, 13, or 14 didn&#8217;t need Pro features. The A18 chip, improved battery life, and Apple Intelligence support were enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>iPhone 16 Pro Max<\/strong> took second globally but was #1 in the United States specifically. Buyers wanting the best camera (48MP telephoto with 8x optical zoom), biggest screen (6.9 inches), and vapor-chamber cooling system paid the premium. In markets with high purchasing power, Pro Max wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>iPhone 16e<\/strong> surprised critics. At $599, reviewers said it was priced too high and positioned awkwardly between the base 16 and older models. They were wrong. The 16e ranked #4 globally in Q3 2025. Buyers who wanted the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence without paying $799+ found their phone. Carrier deals offering the 16e free with trade-in moved massive volume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>iPhone 16 Pro<\/strong> got squeezed. Buyers either went cheaper (base 16) or more premium (Pro Max). The middle suffered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-carrier-deals-made-this-possible\">What Carrier Deals Made This Possible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When someone walks into a carrier store in 2025 considering an upgrade, the deals on the iPhone 16 are insane compared to buying unlocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verizon&#8217;s offers in Q3 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>iPhone 16\/16 Plus: Free ($0\/month) with trade-in on Unlimited Ultimate plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>iPhone 16 Pro: Up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to $1,199 off with trade-in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New customers switching: Up to $650 off even without trade-in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AT&amp;T matched aggressively:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>iPhone 16: Free with new unlimited line (some promos needed no trade-in)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $1,000 in bill credits over 36 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$200 egift card for online switchers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bundle: Four unlimited lines for $25\/month each<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>T-Mobile&#8217;s approach:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>iPhone 16 or 16 Pro: Free with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up to $830 in bill credits over 24 months (faster than AT&amp;T\/Verizon&#8217;s 36)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switcher bonuses for port-ins from AT&amp;T\/Verizon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Boost Mobile went hardest:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>iPhone 16 for $0\/month on 36-month contract<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$799-$1,000 in bill credits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One year FREE wireless service if bought outright<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No trade-in required for most promotions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These deals explain the iPhone 16&#8217;s Q3 2025 dominance. Even with the iPhone 17 available by late September, carriers were pushing iPhone 16 inventory hard. Someone considering &#8220;should I get the new 17 or last year&#8217;s 16?&#8221; saw a $400+ price difference and picked the 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-did-the-september-2024-launch-look-like\">What Did the September 2024 Launch Look Like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the iPhone 16 launched on September 20, 2024, Apple Stores globally saw crowds not seen in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cumberland Mall in Atlanta:<\/strong> The line started with about 50 people at opening. Within an hour, over 200 people stretched down the mall. An Apple Store employee told Bloomberg it was the &#8220;biggest line we&#8217;ve had in a long time.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apple Fifth Avenue in New York:<\/strong> Tim Cook showed up personally. The iconic glass cube entrance was packed with buyers. Apple posted videos showing happy customers holding new iPhone 16 boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apple BKC in Mumbai:<\/strong> Crowds outside the Mumbai store showed unusual iPhone launch enthusiasm for India. Festive season timing + aggressive carrier pricing changed buying behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apple Regent Street in London:<\/strong> The queue down the block returned\u2014reminiscent of early iPhone launches when camping overnight was normal. Photos showed people trying on AirPods Max while waiting in line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apple Stores in Shanghai and Seoul:<\/strong> Packed stores with lines before sunrise. Official Apple photos documented the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The in-store rush signaled genuine demand, even though most iPhone buyers order online now. Seeing 200-person lines in 2024 at a phone launch wasn&#8217;t normal anymore\u2014it showed the iPhone 16 had momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-revenue-did-iphone-generate\">How Much Revenue Did iPhone Generate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apple doesn&#8217;t break out iPhone 16 revenue specifically, but overall iPhone revenue tells the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>iPhone Revenue by Fiscal Year (2021-2025):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Fiscal Year<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>iPhone Revenue<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>FY2021<\/td><td>$191.97B<\/td><td>5G Super-Cycle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FY2022<\/td><td>$205.49B<\/td><td>iPhone 13 Success<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FY2023<\/td><td>$200.58B<\/td><td>Consumer Headwinds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FY2024<\/td><td>$201.18B<\/td><td>iPhone 15 Pro Dominated<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FY2025<\/td><td>$209.59B<\/td><td><strong>Record Year<\/strong> &#8211; iPhone 16 drove growth<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FY2025 (ending September 2025) hit <strong>$209.59 billion in iPhone revenue<\/strong>\u2014an all-time record. The iPhone 16, which had a full fiscal year of sales from Sept 2024 to Sept 2025, was the primary driver. Even as the iPhone 17 launched at the tail end of FY2025, the iPhone 16&#8217;s momentum carried the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For context, iPhone revenue represents roughly 52% of Apple&#8217;s total revenue. Services account for about 24%, with wearables and other products making up the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-did-5g-matter-for-q3-2025-sales\">Why Did 5G Matter for Q3 2025 Sales?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Q3 2025 marked a milestone: <strong>for the first time ever in a Q3 ranking, all top five smartphones globally were 5G models<\/strong>. The iPhone 16 lineup was fully 5G across all variants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This mattered especially in India, where 5G networks expanded rapidly throughout 2024-2025. Buyers prioritized 5G phones for future-proofing. The iPhone 16&#8217;s 5G support at a (relatively) accessible price point through carrier deals made it attractive in markets where 5G was becoming standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In developed markets like the US, Japan, and UK, 5G was already expected. But in emerging markets, 5G capability became a key purchasing decision. The iPhone 16 checked that box while the iPhone 17 was still launching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-about-the-covid-era-upgrade-wave\">What About the COVID-Era Upgrade Wave?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Counterpoint Research specifically noted that &#8220;COVID-era iPhone buyers looking for smartphone replacement&#8221; drove demand for both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the math: someone who bought an iPhone 12 in late 2020 during pandemic lockdowns hits their 4-year mark in late 2024. The iPhone 12 battery is degraded. The camera feels dated. iOS updates are slowing down. September 2024 iPhone 16 launch hits right when those buyers are ready to upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wave continued through Q3 2025. People who delayed upgrading from iPhone 12\/12 Pro during the iPhone 15 cycle finally pulled the trigger on the iPhone 16, especially with carrier deals making it free or near-free with trade-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same pattern applied to iPhone 11 buyers from 2019 hitting the 5-6 year replacement window. Apple benefited from a massive upgrade cohort all converging on 2024-2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-did-samsung-compare\">How Did Samsung Compare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Samsung placed five phones in the global top 10 for Q3 2025, all from the Galaxy A series:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Galaxy A16 5G: #6 globally, #1 Android phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galaxy A36: Strong mid-range performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galaxy A56: AI features boosted sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galaxy A16 4G: Popular in Latin America, Middle East, Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galaxy A06: Entry-level volume in emerging markets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Samsung&#8217;s strategy focused on the mid-range. They didn&#8217;t try to compete with iPhone 16 in the premium segment\u2014they went after volume in the $200-400 price range. The Galaxy A series collectively sold well, but no single Samsung model cracked Apple&#8217;s top five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Galaxy A16 5G moved up one spot compared to its predecessor and overtook the 4G variant of the same series, showing the shift to 5G even in budget segments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-this-mean-for-someone-buying-today\">What Does This Mean for Someone Buying Today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone&#8217;s considering buying an iPhone today in early 2026, here&#8217;s what the Q3 2025 data tells them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The iPhone 16 is still a smart buy.<\/strong> Even though the iPhone 17 is out, the 16 remains heavily discounted. Carrier deals offering it free with trade-in make it the best value. Unless someone needs the absolute latest features, the iPhone 16 delivers 95% of the experience at half the cost (or zero cost with trade-in).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro Max models hold value.<\/strong> If someone wants the best camera and doesn&#8217;t mind paying premium, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max are the moves. US buyers specifically prefer Pro Max\u2014it&#8217;s the #1 variant in America.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 16e is underrated.<\/strong> Critics trashed it at launch, but Q3 2025 sales proved buyers liked it. For someone who wants Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip without paying flagship prices, the 16e at $599 (or free with carrier deal) is solid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carrier deals matter more than retail price.<\/strong> The sticker price is almost meaningless. What matters is the trade-in value and carrier promotion. A $1,200 phone that&#8217;s free with trade-in beats an $800 phone at full price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Timing doesn&#8217;t matter as much anymore.<\/strong> The old advice of &#8220;never buy the year-old model&#8221; doesn&#8217;t apply when carrier deals make last year&#8217;s flagship free. The iPhone 16 outselling the iPhone 17 in Q3 2025 proves it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The iPhone 16&#8217;s Q3 2025 dominance shows that Apple&#8217;s ecosystem\u2014carrier partnerships, trade-in programs, strategic pricing, and timing with upgrade cycles\u2014matters more than having the absolute newest model. When the math works (free iPhone 16 vs $400 iPhone 17), buyers pick value. And in Q3 2025, value meant the year-old iPhone 16.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The iPhone 16 launched on September 20, 2024. By Q3 2025 (July-September 2025), it was over a year old. The iPhone 17 had already launched in September 2025. Yet somehow, the year-old iPhone 16 still outsold every other smartphone on the planet\u2014including Apple&#8217;s own brand-new iPhone 17 lineup. According to Counterpoint Research&#8217;s Global Handset Model [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":23826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-apple"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.7 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The iPhone 16 was the Best-Selling Smartphone in Q3 2025 \u2013 Why? - MobileMall Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The iPhone 16 launched on September 20, 2024. 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