Top-Selling iPhones in 2026: Apple's Best Performers

Most "best iPhone" lists are based on personal opinions — this one isn't. According to Counterpoint Research's Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the iPhone 17 series dominated global smartphone sales in Q1 2026, taking the top three positions worldwide. But global sales are only part of the story. In South Africa, many buyers also turn to certified pre-owned iPhones because rising import prices make older models a smarter value. In this guide, we'll look at Apple's top-selling iPhones of 2026, why they're so popular, and which models make the most sense for South African buyers today.

Quick Overview

1. iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 wasn't just Apple's best-seller — it was the single best-selling smartphone in the world in Q1 2026, capturing 6% of all global smartphone sales on its own. That's a genuinely unusual result: in past cycles, the priciest Pro Max model usually led demand. This time, the standard iPhone 17 closed much of the gap with the Pro line — higher base storage, an improved camera, and a faster 120Hz display — making it an easier sell for buyers who might once have stretched for a Pro model. Analysts also noted double-digit year-on-year growth in China and the US, and threefold growth in South Korea, underlining just how broad the demand was.

2. iPhone 17 Pro Max

Landing at #2 globally, the iPhone 17 Pro Max remained the top choice for buyers who wanted Apple's largest display and most advanced camera system. It also stayed ahead of every Android phone on the list. The biggest surprise was that the standard iPhone 17 sold more units this time, showing that many buyers chose the regular model for its excellent balance of features and value, while the Pro Max remained the premium option.

3. iPhone 17 Pro

Rounding out Apple's clean sweep of the top three — the first time any single brand has ever taken all three top spots in this sales tracker — the 17 Pro appeals to buyers who want Pro-level cameras and performance without the Max's larger size. ProRes and Log video recording keep it a favourite among content creators specifically, a niche that consistently prioritises those features over sheer screen size.

4. iPhone 16

Even with the 17 series dominating shelves, the previous-generation iPhone 16 held on at #6 globally — genuinely strong for a device now well into its second year. Discounted pricing, carrier promotions, and a growing secondhand market are the likely drivers here, proof that Apple's older flagships don't simply fall off a cliff the moment a new model launches. For buyers who want the core iPhone experience without paying current-generation prices, it remains a smart, deliberate choice rather than a compromise.

Bonus: iPhone 13 — South Africa's Certified Pre-Owned Favourite

Worth being upfront about: the iPhone 13 didn't make the Q1 2026 global top 10 — it's a few years old now, and new-unit sales have long since moved on to newer models. It's included here for a different reason: it's consistently one of the most searched and most resold iPhones in South Africa's certified pre-owned market, where import-driven new pricing pushes many buyers toward tested, older-generation hardware instead.

At Netrox Electronics, a tested 128GB unit (Midnight) is priced at R6,999 (down from R9,999), running the A15 Bionic chip with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Condition is graded 7.6/10 for the screen and 8/10 for the body, with battery health tested and rated "very good," backed by a 3-month warranty.

Why the iPhone 17 Series Dominated So Completely

The reason is simple: Apple made the standard iPhone 17 much more appealing than before. In previous years, many buyers preferred the Pro models because they offered noticeably better features. In 2026, however, the iPhone 17 gained upgrades like a smoother display, more storage, and improved cameras, making it the better value for most people. Buyers who wanted the very best cameras and the largest screen still chose the Pro and Pro Max, but the standard iPhone 17 offered the right balance of performance and price — which is why it became Apple's top-selling model worldwide.

Where to Buy in South Africa

Buying a brand-new iPhone in South Africa can be expensive because of import pricing. That's why many buyers choose a certified pre-owned iPhone instead—it offers genuine Apple quality, strong performance, and years of software support at a much lower price. At Netrox Electronics, every iPhone is professionally tested before it's listed, with battery health, screen condition, and body condition clearly graded. Each device also comes with a warranty, giving you extra confidence when buying pre-owned. Browse the full range in the Apple collection at Netrox Electronics.

Final Verdict:

The biggest takeaway from 2026 is that buyers aren't just choosing the most expensive iPhone—they're choosing the one that offers the best overall value. That's why the iPhone 17 leads global sales, while older models like the iPhone 16 continue to perform strongly. In South Africa, where new iPhones cost significantly more because of import pricing, certified pre-owned models such as the iPhone 13 remain a smart and popular choice for buyers who want genuine Apple quality without paying flagship prices.

Whether you're upgrading to the latest iPhone or looking for the best value, the right choice comes down to your budget, performance needs, and how long you plan to keep your phone. If you decide to buy pre-owned, choose a device that's professionally tested, battery-health checked, and backed by a warranty—giving you confidence that you're getting reliable Apple hardware at a better price.

FAQs

Which iPhone sold the most units in 2026? The iPhone 17 was the world's best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026, according to Counterpoint Research, capturing 6% of all global smartphone sales — ahead of even the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Why did the standard iPhone 17 outsell the Pro Max? Apple closed much of the specs gap this cycle — higher base storage, an improved camera, and a faster 120Hz display made the standard model feel like less of a compromise, pulling demand away from the pricier Pro Max.

Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2026? Yes. It held a top-10 global sales spot even a year after launch, largely thanks to discounted pricing and strong demand in the secondhand market.

Is a certified pre-owned iPhone a good option in South Africa? Yes, provided battery health and condition are properly tested and disclosed. Given how much import pricing adds to new iPhone costs locally, a tested pre-owned model is often the more realistic way to get genuine Apple hardware.

Why isn't the iPhone 13 on the global best-seller list but still included here? It's no longer a new-unit best-seller, but it remains one of the most searched and resold iPhones in South Africa's certified pre-owned market specifically — a different kind of popularity worth covering.

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is based on Counterpoint Research's Q1 2026 Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, cross-referenced with reporting from multiple independent tech outlets, together with pricing and condition data for tested, pre-owned units currently available at Netrox South Africa. Figures reflect the latest information available at the time of writing.