iPhone Lifts Smartphone Market as Rivals Struggle in 2025

iPhone lifts smartphone market shipments as rivals stall, driving global growth while Android makers struggle.
Matilda
iPhone Lifts Smartphone Market as Rivals Struggle in 2025
Apple is once again proving its strength in 2025. According to new IDC data, iPhone lifts smartphone market shipments as rivals stall , driving nearly 4% growth for Apple while competitors face weak demand and regional setbacks. Without Apple’s momentum, analysts say the global smartphone market would remain flat—or even decline. Image : Google Global Smartphone Market: iPhone as the Growth Engine IDC has raised its 2025 forecast, now expecting worldwide smartphone shipments to hit 1.24 billion units , up 1% year-over-year. That’s an upgrade from its earlier projection of 0.6%. Almost all of this growth comes from the iPhone, which is forecast to expand shipments by 3.9% this year. This resilience underscores how Apple continues to outperform the industry while Android shipments falter, especially in markets like China. Why Apple Outpaces Android Rivals IDC credits Apple’s success to three key factors: Strong trade-in programs that make premium devices more accessible. Flexible installment plan…