Apple's strong iPhone sales are boosting the global smartphone market, prompting revisions in growth forecasts. However, future challenges, including a potential delay in new iPhone models, are expected to impact shipments in 2026. Despite a predicted dip in 2026, the market and Apple's shipments are expected to rebound in 2027.
Apple is about to bank on what will likely be its most successful year and single-handedly move the global smartphone market growth beyond earlier forecasts. However, things don’t look all that good for 2026, but there’s a good reason for that.
In fact, iPhone sales are so good that IDC had to change its overall smartphone market growth forecast. Instead of the earlier forecast for 1% growth, IDC now expects 1.5% growth to 1.25 billion units. That’s mainly due to the great performance of theIn China, Apple’s largest market, massive demand for iPhone 17 has significantly accelerated Apple’s performance. It ranked first in October and November per IDC’s China Monthly Sales data with more than 20% share, miles ahead of the competition, leading IDC to revise Apple’s Q4 forecast in China from 9% to 17% YoY.Apple has turned market trends around across regions, including the US and Western Europe. The company was forecasted to record a 1% decline in China for 2025, but now it’s expected to have a 3% growth.may be delayed until the spring of 2027.No, there are much better phones out thereBecause of that decision, IDC predicts a 4.2% drop in iOS shipments in 2026. Along with the global memory shortage, which is likely to lead to supply constraints and price increases, overall smartphone shipments are also expected to drop 0.9% in 2026. Later, in 2027, the overall market and Apple’s shipments are expected to return to growth.. What’s shocking is the impact one company with only a few models can have on the overall market. Moving the whole industry up and down by changing your release schedule speaks of undeniable domination.Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.PhoneArena Community Rules A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.Multiple accounts - one person can have only one accountTo help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can post or comment.Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a post should be moderated - please, report it.T-Mobile wants AT&T to accept the new realityBest Cyber Monday tablet deals: It's not too late to save on Galaxy Tabs, iPads, and moreT-Mobile and Verizon operated MVNO might fall, CEO has fled the US
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