October marked Apple’s best ever month for smartphone sell-through market share as its iPhone 17 proved highly popular due to various factors, Counterpoint Research revealed.

Apple’s sell-through volumes rose 12 per cent year-on-year and its share hit 24.2 per cent, its highest-ever in a single month.

Counterpoint Research noted sales of the iPhone 17 exceeded its predecessor over the first six weeks of availability. It stated weekly trackers showed particular strength in the US, China and Japan, and noted the base model is an attractive prospect due to incorporating formerly high-end features at a more affordable price point.

China was the fastest-growing market for Apple’s phones during October, it reported, though highlighted a lack of availability of the iPhone Air in the country resulted in muted sales across the board.

Counterpoint Research stated other drivers are the current upgrade cycle in mature markets and demand for premium-tier devices.

Senior analyst Varun Mishra said greater availability of legacy iPhone models is another factor.

Earlier this week, Counterpoint Research predicted Apple would topple Samsung as the world’s largest smartphone vendor when 2025 shipments are tallied.

If accurate, it would be the first time in 14 years the US vendor beat its South Korean rival, the company stated.