- iPhone sales are dominated by the basic 6.1″ model, which is also the cheapest
- All iPhones keep their target clear, the shares in sales do not change with exceptions
Agentura Consumers Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) she issued in the middle of a study about which iPhone variants sell the most and which, on the contrary, lag behind. Statistics from the last three years – unfortunately without the results of the current iPhone 16 family – show an iron-stable demand for certain models, which practically does not fluctuate over the years.
Which iPhone is the most popular?
This year, for the third time in a row, the product line of iPhones has the same lineup: the basic model, the enlarged Plus, the top flagship model Pro and its larger version Pro Max. The CIRP statistics take into account the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, each in the 12-month period ending in September. The statistics from this year do not take into account the iPhone 16, but the previous generation.
Share of sales of individual iPhone variants in 2022, 2023 and 2024
The graph clearly shows that the basic model with a 6.1″ display has long been the most popular model from the entire range of iPhones. We do not mention it by chance, the size of the display plays a big role in the choice of customers, similar to the price. Something tells us that’s also why Apple kept the size of the base iPhone this year, even as it enlarged the “compact” 16 Pro model.
The basic model of the iPhone was the best-seller in all monitored years, always with a share of 42-46%. In second place, on the other hand, is the largest and also the most expensive representative, the iPhone Pro Max, which has steadily maintained a share of 25-26% over the past three years. The smaller Pro model shows a slightly weaker share, namely 19-21%.
Going from mini to Plus was the right move
At the opposite end are the Plus and mini models. While the former oscillates between 11-13 percent of the market share (next year it could be even more, as the iPhone 16 Plus saw a 48% increase in pre-orders over the iPhone 15 Plus), its miniature predecessor did not even reach a 10% share.
Don’t overlook
Interest in iPhone 16 Pro is lower than last year, delivery times are significantly shorter
“Pro and Pro Max product shares have remained relatively stable over the past three years. The most significant change came after Apple discontinued the iPhone mini during 2022 and more or less relaunched the iPhone Plus in its place. Since then, the iPhone Plus has not only overtaken the iPhone mini’s share, it has taken share from the base model.” states CIRP in its survey.
At the same time, he comes across an extremely interesting phenomenon, namely the truly remarkable stability of the share of sales of individual variants with the exception of Plus/mini. As you can see, Apple has clearly profiled customers of all iPhone variants, and probably due to the fact that it makes only minimal intergenerational changes, customers always stick with the same iPhone as before.
Author of the article
Jakub Fischer
Journalist, fan of modern technology, summer months and Asian food. I like Lynch movies, Pollock paintings, french house and Arsenal football club. In my spare time I play PlayStation and go jogging.
iPhones? More Like i-Choose the Cheaper One!
Well, well, well! Who would’ve thought that in the extravagant world of iPhones, the most basic model—the 6.1″ version, no less—would reign supreme? It’s like the tortoise winning a race against a fleet of rabbits armed with all the shiny bits! A classic case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And let’s be honest, the only thing more stable than the sales of iPhones is my relationship status: single and ready to mingle… with my iPhone!
iPhone Popularity: A Steady Affair
According to the latest findings from CIRP, the key takeaway is that people like to keep things simple. This entry-level model holds a whopping 42-46% of market share! That’s a solid chunk, leaving the second-place iPhone Pro Max to sip its overpriced latte in the corner at a cool 25-26%. It’s like a high school reunion where everyone is trying to show off their success but we all know the basic model just thrives on low expectations and a reliable battery life!
Then we’ve got the Pro model, strutting with a modest 19-21% market share—like that friend who insists they’re still cool because they have Spotify Premium, but we all know they just play the same three songs on repeat… Sorry, Pro model!
Plus This, Mini That: A Shift in the Tides
Oh, and let’s not forget the Plus and Mini models. They’ve had a tumultuous relationship, much like a couple who just can’t seem to agree on the thermostat. The Mini couldn’t even scrape together a 10% share—now that’s just embarrassing! Meanwhile, the Plus model has been making waves, claiming an 11-13% slice of the pie. It’s as if Plus is saying, “I may not be the size you all want, but I come with an extra scoop of value! Who wants a slice?”
CIRP’s notable shift from Mini to Plus truly reflects a ‘more is more’ mentality. Because who wants a smaller size when you can have… umm… more size? It’s the same logic we apply when ordering dinner—if I can get a larger portion, trust me, I’m asking for it.
What’s Trending? Keeping it Stable
Now, I don’t know what Apple is doing, but they’ve managed to create a magical spell of sales stability over the last three years. It’s almost as if they’ve found the philosopher’s stone for consumer loyalty—or perhaps it’s the good old comfort of familiarity. Customers stick to what they know, and why not? Just like I keep reaching for the same old sweater every winter: it’s cozy, it’s reliable, and I’m pretty sure it’s an unspoken part of my identity now!
As the tech world races ahead, Apple seems content to quietly shuffle its deck, throwing in just enough new features to keep people hooked, much like a bad soap opera. “Will they? Won’t they?” We say that each year, and yet, here we are—still swiping right for the 6.1” basic model. It’s almost romantic, albeit without the candles or awkward dinner conversations!
Conclusion: Love in the Time of iPhones
So there you have it—Apple’s iPhone models are like the cast of your favorite sitcom: familiar faces that we can’t seem to get away from! The stability in sales shows not only the consumers’ love for simplicity and familiarity but also that Apple has done a remarkable job at understanding its audience. As the iPhone 16 peaks its head into the limelight, one has to wonder if it’ll maintain the trend. Will the basic 6.1” model continue to charm its way into the hearts of many? Or will the Pro models finally step forward and say, “We’re worth it!”? Tune in next year to find out—same iPhone time, same iPhone channel!
Cheers to that, and to the never-ending iPhone saga!
- The basic 6.1″ iPhone model continues to lead sales, thanks to its affordability.
- While overall sales remain consistent, minor exceptions demonstrate occasional shifts.
According to a comprehensive analysis by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), which delves into the sales performance of various iPhone models, a fascinating trend emerges. Over the last three years, excluding the newly launched iPhone 16 series, the data reveals a remarkably stable demand for specific models, showing fluctuations that are almost imperceptible over time.
Which iPhone is the most popular?
This year marks a continuity in Apple’s product lineup, featuring the same core models: the standard iPhone, the larger Plus variant, the premium Pro, and the even larger Pro Max. The CIRP research spans three years—specifically 2022, 2023, and 2024—analyzing sales over 12-month periods ending in September. Notably, these statistics do not account for the iPhone 16, focusing instead on the preceding generation.
The visual data clearly indicates that the 6.1″ basic model has consistently secured its position as the most popular iPhone across all evaluated years. The significance of display size, coupled with price, heavily influences consumer choice. This insight likely explains why Apple opted to maintain the base model’s display size this year while simultaneously expanding the size of the “compact” 16 Pro model.
In every year analyzed, the basic iPhone model emerged as the best-seller, commanding an impressive market share ranging from 42% to 46%. In sharp contrast, the more luxurious and pricier iPhone Pro Max has maintained a stable 25-26% share over the past three years. The smaller Pro model, while popular, reflects a slightly diminished share of 19-21%.
Going from mini to Plus was the right move
The iPhone Plus and mini models occupy opposite ends of the market spectrum. The Plus variant boasts a market share fluctuating between 11% to 13%, with expectations for further growth, especially after witnessing a remarkable 48% increase in pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Plus compared to the iPhone 15 Plus. Conversely, the mini model has struggled, failing to achieve even a 10% share.
“Over the past three years, the product shares for both the Pro and Pro Max have displayed a high degree of stability. A notable shift occurred when Apple phased out the iPhone mini in 2022 and reintroduced the iPhone Plus in its place. Since then, the iPhone Plus has surpassed the mini’s market share and even started to encroach upon the base model’s territory,” CIRP elaborates in its survey.
This analysis uncovers an intriguing phenomenon: the striking consistency in sales shares for individual iPhone variants, aside from the Plus and mini models. It appears Apple has effectively defined its customer segments for each iPhone variant. This customer loyalty may be attributed to the minimal changes introduced with each new generation.
Author of the article
Jakub Fischer
Journalist, fan of modern technology, summer months, and Asian food. I enjoy Lynch movies, Pollock paintings, French house music, and following Arsenal football club. In my leisure time, I indulge in playing on the PlayStation and going for jogs.
How has consumer preference shifted from the Mini model to the Plus variant in the iPhone lineup?
Share of 42-46%. The iPhone Pro Max has consistently held a solid second place with a market share of 25-26% over the last three years, serving as a high-end option for consumers who desire the largest, most feature-rich device. The smaller Pro model, while still premium, captures a slightly lesser share at 19-21%, highlighting the preference for size and, by extension, capabilities among consumers.
### The Shift from Mini to Plus
The shift in consumer preference from the Mini model to the Plus variant is a notable trend. The Plus has demonstrated a market share of 11-13%, and early indications suggest this could increase, especially following a substantial rise in pre-orders of the iPhone 16 Plus compared to the iPhone 15 Plus. In contrast, the Mini model floundered with less than 10% of the market—indicating that consumers prefer a larger screen and more robust features over compact design.
CIRP notes that the discontinuation of the Mini and the introduction of the Plus appear to be a shrewd decision by Apple. Not only did the Plus overtake the Mini, but it also began to encroach on the market share historically dominated by the standard model, showcasing a dynamic shift in consumer preferences that prioritize perceived value and utility.
### The Stability of iPhone Sales
The stability of sales across various iPhone models, particularly in the absence of radical changes from one generation to another, highlights Apple’s deep understanding of its consumer base. This consistency indicates a well-defined customer segmentation, where loyal users tend to stick with the same model year after year. The incremental improvements in designs and features seem successful enough to keep this loyal customer base satisfied without alienating those who prefer familiarity.
As Apple courts another generation of products with the iPhone 16, the emphasis on maintaining existing model types—such as the fundamental 6.1″ iPhone—speaks volumes about their strategy. By ensuring this model continues to be the frontrunner, Apple effectively caters to price-sensitive customers who still desire quality and reliability.
### Conclusion
Apple’s iPhone lineup reflects both stability and adaptability in a competitive smartphone market. The overwhelming preference for the basic model underscores a consumer trend toward practical, affordable, yet robust devices. As we march forward and embrace the iPhone 16 series, the big question remains: will the charms of the trusty 6.1″ model continue to captivate, or will the Pro models finally step into the limelight as consumer favorites? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the iPhone saga is far from over.
