A total of 13.6 million iPhone XRs were shipped in the first quarter, followed by 13.3 million in the second quarter. Apple has shipped slightly more than twice as many iPhone XRs during the first half than the second most popular smartphone model—Samsung’s Galaxy A10—which totalled 13.4 million units.
“Compared to the Android-based smartphone makers, Apple maintains a relatively small model line-up,” said Jusy Hong, research and analysis director at IHS Markit | Technology. “This means that Apple’s total sales volume is divided among fewer models. As a result, each of Apple’s iPhone models tends to generate higher shipment numbers than comparable Android smartphones, such as those sold by Samsung.”
Because of Apple’s conservative approach to its product line, three iPhone models managed to rank among the top-10 most popular smartphones in the first half, with the iPhone 8 coming in at fourth place and the iPhone Xs Max placing ninth—along with the XR at No. 1.
The number of iPhones in the Top 10 has declined, however, since last year. Looking back to first half of 2018, three iPhones - the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus - made up the global Top three. Moreover, five iPhones in total ranked among the Top 10 in the first half of 2018, including the iPhone 7 and 6.
Samsung took the second and third positions in the first half, with its Galaxy A10 and A50 smartphones generating shipment volumes of 13.4 million and 12.0 million units respectively. These two models are low- and mid-tier smartphones released in the first quarter. Volumes for both phones soared in the second quarter.
None of Samsung’s latest flagship Galaxy S10 series devices were able to enter the Top 10 during the first half of this year. The company’s Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus ranked fifth and sixth in the first half of 2018.
“Although Samsung managed to get four models into the Top 10 ranking, the absence of its latest flagships represents a significant challenge for the company,” Hong said.
