Which iPhone model is the most popular? A new report reveals the answer.

Over the past three years, Apple has introduced four new iPhone models every fall: the standard model, the iPhone Plus, the iPhone Pro, and the iPhone Pro Max. A recent report has revealed which of these models is the most popular, and the result may surprise many. Since the launch of the iPhone 14 series in 2022, the standard iPhone has maintained its position as Apple's best-selling device, with a significant margin. Base models such as the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 account for approximately 45% of annual iPhone sales. In comparison, the iPhone Pro Max makes up around 25% of sales, followed by the iPhone Pro with approximately 20%. The iPhone Plus, whose first model was the iPhone 14 Plus, accounts for just over 10% of total sales.

The standard iPhone, such as the iPhone 16, sells at least twice as much as the iPhone Pro Max, surpassing other models by an even larger margin. One of the main reasons for this trend is undoubtedly its price; the base model costs nearly $400 less than the entry-level iPhone Pro Max and $200 less than the iPhone Pro. Another factor contributing to the strong sales of the standard iPhone is the variety of color options available. Regular models are often offered in brighter and more vibrant colors, while Pro models opt for more subdued tones, which may appeal to consumers seeking a more personalized device.

Moreover, many users do not see enough advantages in the Pro models to justify the higher price. Improvements in chips, additional camera features, and a more robust build may not be enough to sway buyers. Although the iPhone Plus is the least sold model in the series, it surpasses the former iPhone mini, which Apple stopped producing after the release of the iPhone 12 mini in 2020. The iPhone Plus has not only surpassed the market share of the mini it replaced but has also captured some of the share of the base model. For instance, in 2022, the iPhone 12 mini held only a 7% market share compared to the 46% held by the standard iPhone. Two years later, the iPhone Plus has garnered a 13% share of iPhone sales, compared to 42% for the standard model.

It is expected that in 2025, Apple will introduce a new model called the "iPhone Air," which will likely replace the iPhone Plus and will be significantly different from the other models in the iPhone 17 series. As its name suggests, the iPhone Air could be the thinnest iPhone ever made. However, to achieve this streamlined design, Apple may have to make some compromises, such as a less advanced camera system than the other models in the series and a less powerful chipset than the Pro models. Only time will tell whether the iPhone Air will manage to surpass the market share of the iPhone Plus, and if so, how much the sales of the base model will contribute to that growth. It will also be interesting to see if customers who typically choose the iPhone Pro Max will opt for the slimmest iPhone instead.