The iPhone 17 is emerging as one of the strongest growth drivers in the smartphone market. The new model series is expected to allow Apple to ship significantly more devices in 2025 than previously anticipated. New figures from IDC reveal the strong global demand for the iPhone 17 and how much it is strengthening Apple's position in key regions.
The current market situation demonstrates the significant impact a single model generation like the iPhone 17 can have. Demand is surpassing previous models, forcing analysts to revise their forecasts. China, in particular, is playing a key role. Simultaneously, Apple is preparing a new release strategy that will transform the coming year, 2026. IDC 's data provides a comprehensive picture of how sales, market share, and the outlook are developing.
Record shipments of the iPhone 17
IDC predicts that Apple will ship more than 247.4 million iPhones in 2025. This represents a 6.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth is almost entirely driven by the iPhone 17. While the global smartphone market for Android and iOS combined is only growing by 1.5 percent, the iPhone 17 alone ensures that this figure remains positive.
Demand for the standard models and the iPhone 17 Pro variants is high. The iPhone Air is less successful, failing to meet expectations in terms of performance. However, strong sales of the core models offset this and contribute to the significant overall increase.
China as a driver of the upswing
The growth is particularly strong in China, Apple's most important market. In October and November, Apple achieved a market share of over 20 percent there. This is enough to leave the competition far behind. Demand for the iPhone 17 is so strong that IDC has raised its forecast for fourth-quarter growth in China from 9 to 17 percent.
Previously, IDC had forecast a 1 percent decline in sales in China for 2025. With the new figures, this has been revised to 3 percent growth. This turnaround is considered one of the strongest market movements for Apple in recent years. Sales are also picking up again in the US and Western Europe after a period of relative calm.
Sales forecasts reach new highs
In addition to shipments, revenue is also increasing significantly. IDC expects revenue of more than $261 billion for 2025, representing growth of 7.2 percent. Back in October, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the December quarter would bring a new revenue record. Revenue in the iPhone segment is expected to increase by 10 to 12 percent compared to the previous year.
Product strategy for 2026 and 2027
Apple is planning a change to its release schedule for next year. The high-end iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro are still slated for release in September 2026. The more affordable iPhone 18, however, will not follow until spring 2027. According to IDC, this delay will cause iPhone sales to decline by 4.2 percent in 2026.
Additionally, IDC anticipates a global shortage of memory chips. This bottleneck could lead to supply problems and rising prices. For the smartphone industry, this is expected to translate into a 0.9 percent decline in 2026.
The iPhone 17 remains the strongest engine in the smartphone market.
The iPhone 17 will shape the year 2025 more significantly than any other model. High sales figures, especially in China, will propel Apple to new records in sales and revenue. Despite a weaker iPhone Air, the iPhone 17 Standard and Pro models will dominate the market, driving increased global market share. At the same time, 2026 and 2027 will be marked by a change in circumstances, as the planned postponement of the entry-level models and the anticipated chip shortage will slow the market. Until then, the iPhone 17 will remain the strongest force in the smartphone segment, setting new benchmarks for Apple's growth. (Image: Shutterstock / Wongsakorn 2468)
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