Global smartphone shipments to grow in 2025 due to success of iPhone 17
By ForGeeks
A new report from International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that 1.25 billion smartphones will hit the market in 2025 — an increase of 1.5% from 2024. The updated forecast is attributed to Apple’s continued success and strong demand for the iPhone 17 series.
A new report from International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that the market will reach 25 billion smartphones in 2025.
It is estimated that Apple will be able to ship more than 247 million units of the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025. Growth will be driven by increased sales during the holiday season, as well as growing demand in emerging markets and China.
According to Apple, the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to ship more than 247 million units in 2025.
According to IDC data on monthly sales in China, strong interest in the iPhone 17 helped Apple take the top spot for two consecutive months — in October and November. The better-than-expected demand showing also helped iOS overtake Android and HarmonyOS in year-over-year growth.
And it’s a good thing that the iPhone 17 has been on the top spot for two months in a row.
These results have led to a revised forecast for Apple in the Chinese market: previously expected to see a 1% decline in shipments in 2025, they now forecast a 3% increase. Similar positive trends are seen in the U.S. and Western Europe.
The outlook for 2026, however, is less optimistic. IDC expects shipments to fall 1% — mainly due to rising memory prices, which will raise the average cost of smartphones to $465. In addition, the anticipated postponement of the launch of the base model iPhone 18 from fall 2026 to early 2027 will negatively affect the final forecast and will also lead to a 1% drop in shipments.
