IDC: Global smartphone shipments to grow by 1.5% driven by outstanding demand for iPhone 17 series

"A total of 1.25 billion smartphones will be shipped in 2025, which represents a 1.5% increase compared to the figures for 2024. The latest International Data Corporation (IDC) report reflects an updated forecast that is reportedly driven by Apple's continued success with the iPhone 17 series. Cupertino is now forecasted to push over 247 million iPhone 17 series units in 2025, driven by favourable demand factors like an accelerated push in the holiday quarter, alongside growing demand in emerging markets and in China."

"According to IDC's China Monthly Sales data, massive demand for the iPhone 17 helped Apple secure the top spot in back-to-back months for October and November. The better-than-expected iPhone 17 demand also helped iOS edge out Android and HarmonyOS in terms of annual growth. This performance also helped revise Apple's projected 1% decline for 2025 smartphone shipments in China to a 3% growth figure."

"But it's now all sunshine as IDC predicts a 1% decline in shipments for 2026, mainly due to rising memory component costs, which are projected to raise the average smartphone selling price to $465. In addition, Apple's rumored revised launch schedule for the base iPhone 18 from fall 2026 to early 2027 would also negatively impact the whole market's 2026 preliminary figures, leading to a 1% decrease in shipments."

Global smartphone shipments are forecasted at 1.25 billion in 2025, up 1.5% from 2024, driven largely by strong iPhone 17 demand. Apple is expected to ship over 247 million iPhone 17 units in 2025, helped by an accelerated holiday-quarter push and rising demand in emerging markets and China. IDC China data shows the iPhone 17 secured month‑end leadership in October and November and helped iOS outpace Android and HarmonyOS in annual growth. Apple's China shipment outlook was revised from a 1% decline to 3% growth, with similar strength seen in the US and Western Europe. For 2026, IDC projects a 1% overall shipment decline due to rising memory costs pushing average selling prices to $465 and a potential delay of the base iPhone 18 launch into early 2027.

Read at GSMArena.com