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Investing.com -- Global smartphone shipments are expected to fall by 0.9% in 2026 as memory chip prices push average selling prices to record highs, according to research firm IDC.
Apple is set to have a record year in 2025, with shipments projected to increase 6.1% to 247 million units, driven by strong demand for its iPhone 17 series.
In China, Apple’s largest market, the iPhone 17’s popularity has pushed the company’s market share above 20% in October and November. This performance has reversed earlier projections of a 1% decline, with IDC now forecasting 3% shipment growth in the region for the year.
On a global scale, Apple is expected to generate over $261 billion in revenue from iPhone sales in 2025, representing a 7.2% increase from a year earlier.
The anticipated 2026 market downturn reflects component shortages and Apple’s decision to delay its next base iPhone model to early 2027, which IDC says will reduce iOS shipments by more than 4%.
The ongoing global memory shortage is expected to limit supply and increase costs, with low-to-mid range Android devices being most affected due to their price sensitivity.
Despite the projected decline in unit sales, average selling prices are expected to rise to $465 next year, pushing the market’s total value to a record $578.9 billion.
"Next year will be a challenging time for the industry, however, IDC still believes the market could see record ASPs," said Anthony Scarsella, research director at IDC.
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