London, Mar 23 (IANS): Apple's iPhone 6s has topped the list of best-selling smartphones in 2016, according to financial services company IHS Markit.

According to a press release on IHS' website on Wednesday, the new iPhone 7 was the best-seller in the fourth quarter alone, followed by iPhone 7 Plus.

"Apple again has demonstrated that its new iPhones integrate enough innovations and new features to drive sales and remain successful in the market. The company is also capable of selling older devices for an extended period of time," the statement added.

The year-old iPhone 6s and 6s Plus were both among the most-shipped models in 2016.

Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and S7 ranked fifth and ninth, respectively, outperforming S6 and S6 Edge in terms of sales.

With the recall of the Note 7, S7 and S7 Edge became the best flagships in the premium line-up of Samsung.

Samsung has claimed five spots out of the top 10 most-shipped smartphones in 2016.

One of the models of Chinese manufacturer OPPO has also been listed among the top ten ranking.

OPPO registered a growth of 109 per cent in smartphone shipments in 2016 to become the fourth largest smartphone maker in terms of unit shipment.