That's according to Counterpoint Research's Handset Model Sales Tracker , which tracks smartphones with a wholesale average selling price of $600 or more. The source signal from MacRumors should be placed in context first: the timing, the confirmed detail, and the reason it belongs in today's technology queue.
What happened
That's according to Counterpoint Research's Handset Model Sales Tracker , which tracks smartphones with a wholesale average selling price of $600 or more. Apple's premium segment revenue grew 9% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, which Counterpoint attributed to strong sales of the iPhone 17 lineup, particularly the base model. The source signal from MacRumors should be placed in context first: the timing, the confirmed detail, and the reason it belongs in today's technology queue. This section should establish the confirmed change before moving into interpretation.
Practical impact for readers
Even with that growth, Apple's share of the premium segment has slipped from 74% in the first half of 2022. Counterpoint pins the decline on intensifying competition in China, the largest premium smartphone market, where Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo have all sharpened their flagship offerings, pulling more Chinese consumers toward domestic premium brands. The practical impact sits in workflow, cost, risk, or a buying decision; Apple Captures 65% of Global Premium Smartphone Market should be explained through that lens before any broad claim is made. This section should connect the report to reader workflow, spending, security, or product decisions.
Details worth verifying
Across the broader premium segment, unit sales grew 5% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, with the segment's overall market share up from 25% in the first half of 2025 and 20% in the first half of 2022. Counterpoint says the latest gains stem largely from rising memory and component costs, which have hit low- and mid-tier phones harder than flagship models. The next question is whether the signal becomes a durable rollout, a pricing move, a product limitation, or a short update that fades after the news cycle. This section should keep only verifiable details and avoid repeating the same source phrasing.
Who should act or wait
Premium brands, including Apple, were better positioned to absorb the higher costs through wider margins and fewer promotions, helping sustain demand even as the broader market grew more challenging. The share gains between the first half of 2022 and the first half of 2025, by contrast, were driven mainly by a broader premiumization trend as consumers traded up to higher-end devices. For readers, the useful frame is evidence, affected users, remaining risk, and the next point worth checking before acting. This section should name the reader group that benefits from acting now or waiting for confirmation.
What is still unclear
Counterpoint Research said the narrowing price gap between mid-tier and premium phones is accelerating that shift, making flagship devices, including older or discounted iPhones, a more attractive upgrade for consumers:. A stronger article separates the source fact, the reader impact, and the follow-up question so the piece does not feel like a loose link summary. This section should close with the next signal worth checking, not another summary of the same fact.
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