Top 9 Phones Sold in US Holiday Season Were iPhones?

Yes, according to multiple market research reports, Apple’s iPhone models dominated the top nine spots in U.S. holiday season smartphone sales. This means that during the key shopping period from Black Friday through the end of December, the nine best-selling individual phone models in the United States were all iPhones, with Android devices appearing only after those nine slots. The data, typically compiled by firms like Counterpoint Research and Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), reflects a consistent trend in recent years where Apple’s lineup—especially the latest Pro and base models—captures the majority of holiday sales.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a run, walk, or cycle. You enter the total time taken (in minutes) and the distance covered (in kilometers). The calculator then divides the time by the distance to give your average pace in minutes per kilometer, and it also converts that into an average speed in kilometers per hour.

In symbols:

• Pace (min/km) = Time (min) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Time (min) ÷ 60)

Where:

• Time (t) is the total duration in minutes.
• Distance (d) is the length of the route in kilometers.
• Pace is the time it takes to cover one kilometer.
• Speed is the average velocity over the whole distance.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (50 minutes and 10 kilometers):

1. Pace = 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 km ÷ (50 min ÷ 60) = 10 km ÷ 0.8333 h = 12.00 km/h

So with a 50-minute, 10 km run, your average pace is 5 minutes per kilometer and your average speed is 12 km/h.

Why the iPhone Dominates Holiday Sales

The iPhone’s holiday dominance isn’t accidental. Several factors converge during the last two months of the year:

• New model release timing: Apple typically launches its latest iPhones in September, so by November the new models are still the “hotâ€� item, with plenty of stock and carrier promotions.
• Gift appeal: iPhones are widely perceived as premium, easy-to-use gifts. Their high resale value and long software support make them a safe choice for buyers who aren’t tech-savvy.
• Carrier deals: U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) offer aggressive trade-in and “buy one get oneâ€� deals during the holidays, often making the latest iPhone effectively free or heavily discounted for existing customers.
• Ecosystem lock-in: Many U.S. households are already invested in Apple’s ecosystem (iMessage, iCloud, AirDrop). Sticking with an iPhone keeps everything working seamlessly.

This combination results in a self-reinforcing cycle: more iPhones sold means more people in the ecosystem, which makes the next iPhone purchase even more likely.

How the Rankings Are Measured

Market research firms track sales in different ways, and the exact list can vary slightly depending on the source. The most common methods are:

• POS (point-of-sale) tracking: Firms like Counterpoint and NPD collect data directly from retailers and carriers, counting actual units sold to consumers.
• Survey-based estimates: CIRP surveys a representative sample of U.S. consumers about what phone they bought in the past quarter, then extrapolates to the whole market.
• Activation data: Some firms use mobile ad or app usage data to estimate which devices are being activated, though this is less precise.

Because methodologies differ, you might see slightly different numbers in headlines, but the overall conclusion—that iPhones occupy the top nine spots—has been consistent in recent holiday quarters.

Which iPhone Models Usually Top the List

While the exact order changes, the typical holiday top nine includes a mix of the newest and older models:

• Latest Pro and Pro Max: These are the flagship models, often the top sellers because of the best cameras and features.
• Latest base model: The standard iPhone (e.g., iPhone 15 or 16) is the most popular single model for many buyers.
• Previous generation models: Older iPhones (like the iPhone 14 or 13) often appear because they get price cuts and remain in carrier lineups.
• SE models: The budget-friendly iPhone SE sometimes makes the list, especially when carriers offer it for free with a new line.

Android phones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S series or Galaxy A series, typically start appearing from the 10th spot onward. This is not because Android is unpopular overall—Android holds the majority of the global market—but because the U.S. market is uniquely Apple-heavy, and the holiday season amplifies that skew.

How to Choose Between iPhone and Android

If you’re in the market for a new phone during the holidays, the fact that iPhones dominate sales doesn’t necessarily mean you should buy one. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Operating system: iOS is more closed and streamlined; Android offers more customization and file access.
• Price range: Android has more budget options, but iPhones hold their value better over time.
• Camera: Both have excellent cameras; iPhones tend to produce more consistent, natural-looking photos, while some Android flagships offer more zoom or manual controls.
• Integration: If you use a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, an iPhone is the obvious choice. If you use Windows or Google services heavily, Android may integrate better.
• Repairability: iPhones generally have more official parts and repair options in the U.S., but Android phones vary widely.

There is no “right� answer—it depends on your budget, your existing devices, and which features matter most to you.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

When people hear that iPhones dominate holiday sales, they often jump to conclusions that aren’t accurate:

• Misconception: “iPhones are the best phones.â€� Sales numbers don’t measure quality—they measure popularity, marketing, and carrier subsidies. Android flagships like the Galaxy S24 or Pixel 9 are equally capable in many ways.
• Misconception: “Android is dying in the U.S.â€� Android still has roughly 40-45% of the U.S. smartphone market. It’s just that sales are more spread out across many models, so no single Android phone breaks into the top ten.
• Misconception: “The top nine are all the latest models.â€� Often, older iPhones are in the list because they’re heavily discounted. The top spot is usually the latest Pro model, but the rest can be a mix.
• Problem: “I’m confused by all the models.â€� Apple now sells several generations simultaneously. To avoid confusion, check the release year and the chip inside—newer chips mean longer software support.

Cost and Value Considerations

Holiday deals can make iPhones more affordable than you might think, but there are hidden costs to watch out for:

• Trade-in value: Carriers often promise high trade-in credits, but they’re usually spread over 24 or 36 months. If you switch carriers early, you lose the remaining credits.
• Plan costs: “Freeâ€� phones often require a premium unlimited plan. Compare the total cost over two years, not just the upfront price.
• Accessories: iPhones don’t come with a charger in the box anymore. You may need to buy a USB-C charger and a case, adding $30–$60 to the cost.
• Resale value: iPhones depreciate slower than most Android phones, so a higher upfront cost can be partially offset by selling it later.

Always read the fine print on carrier deals. The “free� phone might be tied to a 36-month contract, and the total cost could be higher than buying the phone unlocked and using a cheaper prepaid plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do iPhones sell so well during the holidays? The combination of new model launches in September, aggressive carrier promotions, and the perception of iPhones as premium gifts drives a surge in sales. Apple also benefits from strong brand loyalty and the ecosystem effect, where existing users stay within the Apple universe.

Are Android phones really that far behind? Not in total market share—Android has about 40-45% of the U.S. market. But because Android sales are spread across dozens of models from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and others, no single Android model gets enough sales to crack the top ten.

Which iPhone is the best value during the holidays? The previous year’s base model (e.g., iPhone 14 when the 15 is out) often offers the best balance of price and performance. It still gets software updates for years, and carriers frequently discount it heavily to clear stock.

Do these rankings include used or refurbished phones? No, the reports are for new phones sold through official retail channels. Used and refurbished phones are tracked separately and would likely show a different mix, with older iPhones and budget Androids being more common.

Should I buy an iPhone just because it’s the top seller? No. Your choice should be based on your budget, your preferred operating system, and the features you need. A mid-range Android might be a better fit if you’re on a tight budget or prefer Google’s services.

Will this trend continue in future years? It’s likely, but not guaranteed. If Android manufacturers consolidate their lineups and carriers offer more aggressive deals on Android flagships, we could see an Android phone break into the top ten. However, Apple’s ecosystem and brand strength in the U.S. are powerful advantages.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2