iPhone X was most shipped smartphone in Q1 of 2018

Despite your many memes about the iPhone X and how it cost an arm, many arms were spent this first quarter because it has topped the overall global shipment of smartphones in the first quarter (Q1) of 2018.

IHS Markit says of the total 345.5 million units of smartphone shipments, Apple iPhone X led with 12.7 million units shipped.

“Apple has secured the first and second ranking for the most-shipped smartphone model for many years,” said Jusy Hong, director of consumer devices, for IHS Markit. “The iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 ranked first and second in the first quarter last year. Apple and Samsung maintained the same ranking as last year — replacing existing models with the latest models from this year.”

Don’t get it twisted though, the overall Apple smartphone shipment numbers have declined this year compared to the 35.6 million combined units of iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 in the first quarter of 2017, but the combined shipment volume of this year’s top two models declined to 21.2 million units.

“Although Apple’s newest model shipment volume declined, the company announced good earnings in the first quarter, mainly because of price increases in the iPhone 8 series and the super-premium price of the iPhone X,” Hong said.

IHS Markit states that Apple is likely to expand its iPhone X form factor to 3 new models, which are expected to launch in the second half of this year, including two models with AMOLED displays and one with an LCD panel.

“Manufacturers are keen on displays, because they are a visible upgrade that can be easily monetized with consumers,” Hong said. “These upgrades will also increase Apple’s share of new models this year.”

Here’s how popular brands ranked in shipments in 2018 Q1 compared to 2017 Q1: