Sales performance figures for the iPhone 13 series reveal consumers have not lost their appetite for Apple smartphones. Reuters
Sales performance figures for the iPhone 13 series reveal consumers have not lost their appetite for Apple smartphones. Reuters
Sales performance figures for the iPhone 13 series reveal consumers have not lost their appetite for Apple smartphones. Reuters
Sales performance figures for the iPhone 13 series reveal consumers have not lost their appetite for Apple smartphones. Reuters

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Technology

Revealed: 10 best-selling smartphones of 2021

Apple took seven spots in the list of top phones

Alkesh Sharma
Alkesh Sharma

March 08, 2022

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The iPhone manufacturer Apple captured seven spots in the list of 10 best-selling smartphones of last year, according to a report by Counterpoint Research.

The company, based in Cupertino, California, took the top five spots.

The iPhone 12 was the best-selling model, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 11.

The top three models contributed nearly 41 per cent to Apple’s total sales, the Hong Kong-based research company said. Counterpoint did not release the exact number of units sold.

  • The iPhone through the ages: Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduces the iPhone to the world in San Francisco, California, on January 9, 2007. It had a 3.5-inch screen and 2MP camera. Reuters
    The iPhone through the ages: Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduces the iPhone to the world in San Francisco, California, on January 9, 2007. It had a 3.5-inch screen and 2MP camera. Reuters
  • The iPhone 3G was launched in 2008 with a faster 3G connection. It also added location services. Reuters
    The iPhone 3G was launched in 2008 with a faster 3G connection. It also added location services. Reuters
  • The iPhone 3GS was released on June 19, 2009. It was twice as fast as its previous version. AFP
    The iPhone 3GS was released on June 19, 2009. It was twice as fast as its previous version. AFP
  • The iPhone 4 was released on June 24, 2010. It featured FaceTime for the first occasion as well as a retina screen. Reuters
    The iPhone 4 was released on June 24, 2010. It featured FaceTime for the first occasion as well as a retina screen. Reuters
  • A later release, this time on October 14, 2011, the iPhone 4S had a new dual-core processor. Reuters
    A later release, this time on October 14, 2011, the iPhone 4S had a new dual-core processor. Reuters
  • Apple CEO Tim Cook takes to the stage following the reveal of the iPhone 5 in San Francisco, California, on September 12, 2012. This was the first 4-inch screen and the phone was faster and slimmer. Reuters
    Apple CEO Tim Cook takes to the stage following the reveal of the iPhone 5 in San Francisco, California, on September 12, 2012. This was the first 4-inch screen and the phone was faster and slimmer. Reuters
  • The iPhone 5C arrived on September 20, 2013 and was less expensive and very similar to the iPhone 5 except it came with colourful casing. Getty Images
    The iPhone 5C arrived on September 20, 2013 and was less expensive and very similar to the iPhone 5 except it came with colourful casing. Getty Images
  • The iPhone 5s came at the same time as the 5C and introduced touch ID and a motion data processor as health and fitness apps started to come to the fore. Getty Images
    The iPhone 5s came at the same time as the 5C and introduced touch ID and a motion data processor as health and fitness apps started to come to the fore. Getty Images
  • The iPhone 6 marked another double launch when unveiled on September 9, 2014. The 6 had a 4.7-inch screen, faster processor and improved camera. AFP
    The iPhone 6 marked another double launch when unveiled on September 9, 2014. The 6 had a 4.7-inch screen, faster processor and improved camera. AFP
  • The iPhone 6 Plus had a 5.5-inch screen and was $100 more expensive. Reuters
    The iPhone 6 Plus had a 5.5-inch screen and was $100 more expensive. Reuters
  • The iPhone 6s came on September 25, 2015 with 3D touch and a camera that could shoot 4K video. EPA
    The iPhone 6s came on September 25, 2015 with 3D touch and a camera that could shoot 4K video. EPA
  • The iPhone 6s Plus is displayed at Tokyo's flagship store on September 25, 2015. Both new phones came in a new colour - rose gold. AFP
    The iPhone 6s Plus is displayed at Tokyo's flagship store on September 25, 2015. Both new phones came in a new colour - rose gold. AFP
  • Unveiled on March 21, 2016, the iPhone SE had the same design as the iPhone 5 and saw a return to the 4-inch screen which was preferred by some users. It was more affordable and hence lacked features such as Touch ID. AFP
    Unveiled on March 21, 2016, the iPhone SE had the same design as the iPhone 5 and saw a return to the 4-inch screen which was preferred by some users. It was more affordable and hence lacked features such as Touch ID. AFP
  • The iPhone 7 announced on September 7, 2016, said somewhat controversially goodbye to the audio jack. Reuters
    The iPhone 7 announced on September 7, 2016, said somewhat controversially goodbye to the audio jack. Reuters
  • The iPhone 7 Plus had a dual camera added. AFP
    The iPhone 7 Plus had a dual camera added. AFP
  • The iPhone 8 was released on September 22, 2017 and had a new glass and aluminium design, retina HD screen. Reuters
    The iPhone 8 was released on September 22, 2017 and had a new glass and aluminium design, retina HD screen. Reuters
  • A customer gets his hands on an iPhone 8 Plus on launch day in Tokyo on September 22, 2017. The launches also saw speakers that were 25% louder and the most powerful and smartest chip in a smartphone (according to Apple). AFP
    A customer gets his hands on an iPhone 8 Plus on launch day in Tokyo on September 22, 2017. The launches also saw speakers that were 25% louder and the most powerful and smartest chip in a smartphone (according to Apple). AFP
  • The iPhone X marked a decade of iPhones on September 12, 2017. It's main changes were an edge-to-edge super retina screen. Touch ID was removed with Face ID introduced. Reuters
    The iPhone X marked a decade of iPhones on September 12, 2017. It's main changes were an edge-to-edge super retina screen. Touch ID was removed with Face ID introduced. Reuters
  • The iPhone XS was released on September 21, 2018 and had a Super Retina OLED screen with improved scratch and water resistance. Face ID was faster. Reuters
    The iPhone XS was released on September 21, 2018 and had a Super Retina OLED screen with improved scratch and water resistance. Face ID was faster. Reuters
  • The iPhone XS Max had the largest iPhone screen to date at 6.5 inches. It could handle 3 million pixels. Reuters
    The iPhone XS Max had the largest iPhone screen to date at 6.5 inches. It could handle 3 million pixels. Reuters
  • The iPhone XR was slightly cheaper than the XS and came with a 6.1-inch screen. AFP
    The iPhone XR was slightly cheaper than the XS and came with a 6.1-inch screen. AFP
  • A customer looks at the iPhone 11 at an Apple store in Dubai Mall on September 20, 2019. EPA
    A customer looks at the iPhone 11 at an Apple store in Dubai Mall on September 20, 2019. EPA
  • A man tries out the iPhone 11 Pro in Cupertino, California, on September 10, 2019. AFP
    A man tries out the iPhone 11 Pro in Cupertino, California, on September 10, 2019. AFP
  • Midnight Green was introduced for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, while there was also a new three-camera system. Reuters
    Midnight Green was introduced for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, while there was also a new three-camera system. Reuters
  • Arriving on April 15, 2020, the iPhone SE was for budget-minded customers and was pretty much a replica of the iPhone 8. Its 4.7-inch screen felt rather on the small side compared to the big screens of its big brothers. Apple Inc. / AFP
    Arriving on April 15, 2020, the iPhone SE was for budget-minded customers and was pretty much a replica of the iPhone 8. Its 4.7-inch screen felt rather on the small side compared to the big screens of its big brothers. Apple Inc. / AFP
  • The iPhone 12 on October 13, 2020 introduced a new processor and a screen that offered four times better protection if dropped. Apple / AFP
    The iPhone 12 on October 13, 2020 introduced a new processor and a screen that offered four times better protection if dropped. Apple / AFP
  • The iPhone 12 mini offered a 5.4-inch screen. Getty Images
    The iPhone 12 mini offered a 5.4-inch screen. Getty Images
  • Mr Cook showcases the iPhone 12 Pro during an event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on October 13, 2020. This upgrade saw a faster chip, 5G speed, a "camera system that’s killer in low light. A LiDAR Scanner for more realistic AR. And two great sizes to choose from — including our largest display ever". Apple / EPA
    Mr Cook showcases the iPhone 12 Pro during an event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on October 13, 2020. This upgrade saw a faster chip, 5G speed, a "camera system that’s killer in low light. A LiDAR Scanner for more realistic AR. And two great sizes to choose from — including our largest display ever". Apple / EPA
  • The iPhone 12 Pro Max was categorised as a 'legacy phone'. Reuters
    The iPhone 12 Pro Max was categorised as a 'legacy phone'. Reuters
  • The new iPhone 13 was unveiled on September 14, 2021. It has a smart data mode which helps battery life, more 5G bands and antenna lines that use material made from recycled plastic water bottles. AFP
    The new iPhone 13 was unveiled on September 14, 2021. It has a smart data mode which helps battery life, more 5G bands and antenna lines that use material made from recycled plastic water bottles. AFP
  • Apple CEO Tim Cook showcasing the third generation iPhone SE featuring 5G and the A15 Bionic chip on March 8, 2022. EPA
    Apple CEO Tim Cook showcasing the third generation iPhone SE featuring 5G and the A15 Bionic chip on March 8, 2022. EPA
  • The Apple iPhone 14, 14 Plus, Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro were unveiled during an event on September 7, 2022. It didn’t raise its US prices during one of the worst years for inflation in decades. The biggest addition was emergency calling after a car crash. Bloomberg
    The Apple iPhone 14, 14 Plus, Pro Max and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro were unveiled during an event on September 7, 2022. It didn’t raise its US prices during one of the worst years for inflation in decades. The biggest addition was emergency calling after a car crash. Bloomberg

The iPhone 12 series, which was launched in October 2020, was delayed by almost a month because of supply chain disruptions and a chip shortage brought about the coronavirus pandemic.

“The delayed launch of the iPhone 12 series shifted some holiday season demand to the initial months of 2021,” Karn Chauhan, research analyst at Counterpoint, said.

“The latest in the iPhone 13 series is performing well, with the iPhone 13 becoming the best-selling model in the fourth quarter of last year, followed by the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro.”

Apple is likely to release the next-generation version of one of its cheapest smartphones, the iPhone SE, as well as redesigned tablets and laptops at its virtual "peak performance" event today.

The top 10 best-selling smartphone models contributed 19 per cent to the total global smartphone unit sales last year, compared to 16 per cent in 2020.

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi took two spots, and South Korean brand Samsung took one in the top 10. There were more than 4,200 active smartphone models in the global market in 2021.

Samsung’s Galaxy A12, an entry-level smartphone, was sixth.

“Almost all regions and countries showed strong demand for the A12 throughout the year. North America, Latin America and Western Europe were its top markets,” Mr Chauhan said.

“We believe the momentum will be continued by the A12’s successor launched in December - the Galaxy A13 (5G).”

Xiaomi’s budget models Redmi 9A (seventh) and Redmi 9 (10th) added almost 22 per cent to the brand’s total sales last year. The company performed well across all regions. China, India and Asia-Pacific were its top markets, Counterpoint said.

10 best selling smartphones of 2021

  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • Galaxy A12
  • Redmi 9A
  • iPhone SE 2020
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • Redmi 9
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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

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Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

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4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

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Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

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Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

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Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Updated: March 08, 2022, 6:50 PM
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