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Key takeaways

  • Apple is expected to ship a record number of iPhones in 2025.
  • This forecast is based on strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, particularly in China.
  • A possible delay in the release of the base model iPhone 18 could affect Apple’s shipment figures in 2026.

According to a recent report by research firm IDC, Apple is set to reach a record number of iPhone shipments in 2025. Boosted by the success of the latest iPhone 17 series and a rebound in the Chinese market, Apple is expected to ship 247.4 million iPhones in 2025, surpassing the 236 million units sold in 2021, when the iPhone 13 was launched.

High demand expected

IDC largely attributes Apple’s expected increase to the phenomenal reception of the iPhone 17 series, especially in China, where demand is exceptionally strong. Shipments — a metric analysts use to measure how many devices vendors send to their distribution channels — point to strong anticipated demand for Apple products.

The launch of the iPhone 17 in September was seen as crucial for Apple, which has faced growing competition in China and critical scrutiny of its artificial intelligence strategy in light of the rise of Android rivals. IDC forecasts a significant 17 percent year-on-year jump in Apple’s shipments in China in the fourth quarter, leading to an expected overall growth of 3 percent in the Chinese smartphone market for the full year, beating earlier projections of a 1 percent decline.

Competition and market share

Apple has lost ground in China to local players such as Huawei. The IDC report is in line with a recent forecast from Counterpoint Research, which predicted that Apple would overtake Samsung in smartphone shipments in 2025 for the first time in 14 years.

However, according to reports from Bloomberg, Apple may delay the launch of its base model iPhone 18 until 2027, breaking with its usual annual fall launch cycle. IDC predicts that this potential delay could lead to a 4.2 percent drop in Apple’s shipments next year. (jv)

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