Apple captured a record share of profits in the global smartphone industry in the third quarter of 2016, according to Strategy Analytics.

Operating profits in the global smartphone industry came to US$9.4 billion in the third quarter, of which profits generated by Apple accounted for 91%, said Strategy Analytics.

"Apple's ability to maximize pricing and minimize production cost is hugely impressive and the iPhone continues to generate monster profits," said Linda Sui, director at Strategy Analytics.

Huawei, Vivo and Oppo were the next three most profitable smartphone vendors globally in the third quarter of 2016, but "are still a long way behind Apple," Strategy Analytics indicated.

Huawei generated US$0.2 billion of all smartphone operating profits in the third quarter of 2016, capturing a just 2% share of profits in the global smartphone industry, Strategy Analytics said. Huawei also became the world's most profitable Android phone vendor for the first time ever.

"An efficient supply chain, sleek products and effective marketing have been among the main drivers of Huawei's robust profitability," commented Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics.

Vivo and Oppo followed in third and fourth place during the third quarter of 2016. with each taking 2% global profit share. "Vivo and Oppo delivered relatively healthy profitability due to disciplined pricing and soaring shipments across Asia," Mawston continued.