It's arguably packs a punch, but there doesn't seem to be a single worthy contender that can match Apple's year-to-date smartphone shipments.
In fact, Apple's iPhones dominated the top four spots, according to data collected by market tracker Omdia for smartphone models. Topping the list is the iPhone 14 Pro Max, with around 26.5 million units shipped in the first half of 2023, making it the smartphone with the largest shipments.
Even more surprising is that Apple occupies the top four spots on the list. These estimates bode well for the company's upcoming iPhone 15 launch on September 12. Given the excitement and buzz surrounding this year's batch of iPhones, which are rumored to offer the biggest upgrades in years, it will be interesting to see what happens in the second half of 2023.
Apple dominates the list and easily beats the fiercest competitor in the Android space. That's shocking in itself, considering there were more Android phones on the same list last year. All of this could lead to an even bigger piece of the pie for Apple as we head into the crucial holiday season.
1. Good news for iPhone 15
The list also highlights the fact that consumers aren't afraid to spend money on Apple's smartphones, as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 are the top three on the list. We may see stronger sales of the most expensive upcoming models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 15 Ultra, both of which are rumored to cost more.
Specifically the iPhone 15 Pro Max/iPhone 15 Ultra, which is rumored to start at $1,299, as it is expected to get all the exclusive features and upgrades like a durable titanium frame, periscope telephoto camera, A17 Bionic chip, and more. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro is also expected to increase in price by $100, bringing it to a starting price of $1,100.
If this report is any indication, Apple's shipments could be stronger in the second half of the year. Given the impact inflation has on consumer spending, it's a sobering reminder that people are still willing to pay for the best phone for themselves. While shipments don't technically translate into sales, it's still an indicator of market demand.
2. Samsung is the only Android maker on the list
Unfortunately for everyone else in the space, it's a one-sided affair, with Samsung being the only phone maker to make the list. This is in stark contrast to the two Redmi phones that successfully made the list in the same period last year.
Shockingly, the Samsung Galaxy A13 has topped the South Korean smartphone maker chart. Global shipments of the budget phone reached 12.4 million units, actually surpassing the Galaxy S23 Ultra's 9.6 million units. Other Samsung devices include the Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A54 5G, and Galaxy A34 5G.
3. Pixel phones are conspicuously absent
You'd think that Google's Pixel phones would somehow make the list, but they're conspicuously absent from the report. This is somewhat unbelievable considering how aggressive Google has been with smartphone pricing.
For example, the Google Pixel 7a, a mid-range phone, costs $499, making it one of the cheapest phones around. Beyond that, its flagship phones, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, are $100 less than comparable phones, undercutting direct competitors. You'd think that such an aggressive price cut would be enough to spur shipments of its handsets, but that's not the case.
This all puts more pressure on its upcoming Pixel 8 phone to stand out. Given that Apple hopes to steal the show with the expected release of iOS 17 and the release of the iPhone 15, Android makers need to respond accordingly so that Apple doesn't become a catwalk for the holidays.