The best-selling iPhone of 2019 might surprise you

We have a winner.
By Stan Schroeder  on 
The best-selling iPhone of 2019 might surprise you

The best-selling smartphone in 2019 was an affordable Apple phone that launched in Oct. 2018: The $749 iPhone XR.

This is according to research company Omdia (via 9to5Mac), which claims that the iPhone XR "easily" outshipped all other phones in 2019, with 46.3 million units shipped. The second most-popular phone in 2019 was Apple's iPhone 11, with 37.3 million units shipped, Omnia says.

Mashable Image
The iPhone XR was king of smartphone sales in 2019, according to Omdia. Credit: Mashable

The two iPhones were followed by three of Samsung's mid-tier and entry-level models, Galaxy A10, A50 and A20, respectively.

Interestingly, Apple's overall smartphone shipments were down by 4.6 percent in 2019, but the company's focus on several key models has enabled it to maintain the two positions for "two years running," says Omnia.

“The company’s continued dominance on this front is all the more remarkable when considering that Apple’s price hikes caused overall iPhone shipments to decline last year. By limiting the number of models it offers compared to its top competitors, Apple has been able to concentrate its sales on a few smartphones that have broad appeal, like the iPhone XR," said Jusy Hong, smartphone research and analysis director at Omdia, in a statement.

Omdia's numbers are roughly in line with figures from research company IDC, which pointed to strong sales of the iPhone XR throughout the year, though it didn't share precise numbers for individual models.

The numbers show that Apple's strategy of offering an iPhone that's significantly cheaper and yet has the main characteristics of its top-tier models was successful. In Sept. 2019, Apple reinforced this strategy by placing their most affordable new model, the $699 iPhone 11, at the center of its flagship lineup.

And if recent reports are accurate, Apple will double down on this strategy soon with the launch of a new, affordable phone in March, likely named the iPhone SE 2 or the iPhone 9.

Topics Apple iPhone

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.


Recommended For You

More in Tech
How to watch 'Lisa Frankenstein' at home: When is it streaming?
Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in 'Lisa Frankenstein'


How to watch NC State vs. Marquette basketball without cable
DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack drives to the basket as Blake Lampman #11 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies defends during the first half of a game in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How to watch Gonzaga vs. Purdue basketball without cable
Purdue Boilermakers guard Lance Jones (55) starts a fast break during the Purdue Boilermakers versus the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the NCAA Division I Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Tennessee vs. Creighton basketball without cable
Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays goes to the basket in the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks during the second round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 28
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 28
a phone displaying Wordle


NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 27
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 28
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!