Apple’s iPhone 16 series has made a strong impression globally since its launch in late 2024, especially in key markets like China and India. Within the first three weeks of its release, iPhone 16 sales in China outpaced those of the iPhone 15 by 20%, with the Pro and Pro Max models experiencing a 44% increase compared to their predecessors. Globally, Apple shipped 55 million iPhones in Q1 2025, representing a 13% year-over-year increase, which pushed its global smartphone market share up from 16% to 19%.
In the U.S., the iPhone 16 lineup accounted for 74% of iPhone sales in the March 2025 quarter, a notable rise from the 68% share held by the iPhone 15 series during the same period in 2024. The new mid-range model, iPhone 16e, debuted strongly, capturing 7% of U.S. iPhone sales in its first quarter. Its success has been especially prominent in emerging markets such as India and China, where affordability and inclusion of Apple Intelligence features have driven adoption. In India, this momentum is expected to push Apple’s market share to a record 8% in 2024.
Interestingly, while the iPhone 16e and standard models have exceeded expectations, the Pro and Pro Max versions have not fared as well. Pre-orders for the Pro Max dropped by 16%, and the Pro model saw a 27% decline compared to the iPhone 15 series. Analysts attribute this to minimal hardware upgrades and delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence features on these models. As a result, Apple has reportedly reduced production orders for the iPhone 16 lineup by approximately 10 million units in upcoming quarters.
Despite a dip in teen interest overall, nearly 30% of teenagers have indicated interest in upgrading to the iPhone 16 specifically for its AI capabilities. This suggests that Apple Intelligence could be a key driver for future adoption, especially as its rollout continues. The company also faced early challenges in Indonesia due to local content requirements, but these were resolved in early 2025, lifting the sales ban on the iPhone 16 series.
Looking ahead, Apple is projected to sell up to 240 million iPhones in 2025, fueled by strong replacement demand from users with older devices and the appeal of new AI features. While analysts remain cautious about the declining sales mix of premium models, Apple’s broader strategy—emphasizing mid-range innovation and regional market responsiveness—positions the iPhone 16 series for continued global success.