Apple’s iPhone 17 Reignites Market Dominance—But Is It Sustainable?
In a fiercely competitive smartphone market, Apple's latest release, the iPhone 17, has vaulted the tech giant back to the forefront of global smartphone sales. With a reported 20% market share in 2025, Apple has edged out Samsung by a narrow 1%. However, as the dust settles, questions loom about whether this resurgence will last, especially with mixed receptions of certain models in the lineup. In this article, we delve into the various aspects of the iPhone 17 series and assess its impact on Apple's future in the mobile space.
Apple's dominance in the market, beating Samsung by just 1% | Image by Counterpoint
iPhone 17 series has introduced intriguing models—Is the iPhone Air the hidden gem? Or do the sleek redesigns of the iPhone 17 Pro entice users? Let’s explore the strengths and weaknesses of each variant!
The iPhone Air generated buzz during its announcement, attracting long lines at Apple Stores nationwide. However, it quickly revealed itself as more of a proof-of-concept than a fully realized product, with issues arising in battery life, camera functionality, and overall performance.
The iPhone Air only managed to grab 3% of total iPhone 17 sales | Image by Counterpoint
Despite early enthusiasm, the iPhone Air has reportedly seen sales slow to the point where production was reportedly slashed by 80%. Its contribution to the total sales of the iPhone 17 lineup is a mere 3%. Following generous discounts, the future of the iPhone Air appears uncertain.
Spotlight on the Star: The iPhone 17
A fantastic bargain: The vanilla iPhone 17 | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 17 revolutionizes the lineup, introducing a ProMotion 120Hz display to the standard model, a much-anticipated improvement. Alongside this, upgrades to the camera with a new 48MP ultrawide lens and increased battery capacity signify its substantial leap forward.
Priced at $799, the iPhone 17 has been well-received, contributing to a 31% increase in demand compared to the iPhone 16’s 19%. While Pro models account for 76% of sales, the overall increase remains modest.
The iPhone 17 has gained traction throughout the globe, with a 14% increase in sales in China compared to its predecessor, indicating its broader appeal. Many markets have reported sellouts within days of launch, including key territories like Germany and the UK.
The iPhone 17 Pro: A Mixed Success
Despite durability issues, iPhone 17 Pro models perform well in sales | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 17 Pro lineup has surprisingly maintained strong sales, registering a 13% increase over previous models, despite reports of paint flaking and scratches occurring shortly after unboxing.
Ultimately, while the iPhone Air flops, the vanilla iPhone 17 and its Pro counterparts have helped Apple reclaim its competitive edge in the market.
Why Samsung Slipped Behind
Samsung faced unforeseen challenges, losing ground to Apple in 2025 | Image by PhoneArena
The success of the iPhone 17 series coincides with several unfortunate events for Samsung. Following the passing of co-CEO Han Jong-hee, the company faced a leadership void at a critical moment, leading to stagnation in innovation and subsequent sales.
Will Apple Keep Its Crown with iPhone Fold?
Can the iPhone Fold secure Apple’s dominance? | Image by Front Page Tech
Due to increasing demand and complexity in smartphone processing, Apple is contemplating a staggered launch for the iPhone 18 series. Pro models may arrive in September 2026, with other models potentially delayed into 2027.
As Samsung prepares the Galaxy S26 and its next-generation foldable devices, maintaining market leadership may prove challenging for Apple.
