Apple Defies Steepest-Ever Smartphone Slump, iOS Share On Track For Record High: IDC

According to projections from research firm IDC, global smartphone shipments are anticipated to experience a historic 16.7% contraction in 2026, falling to just over 1 billion units. This sharp downturn is primarily driven by an acute memory crisis, with NAND and DRAM component costs surging more than 300% year-over-year. Despite shipment declines, total industry value is forecast to climb 6.3% to $613 billion as average selling prices rise 27.6% to $581. Apple Inc. is exceptionally well-positioned to outperform competitors during this industry reset. While Android device shipments are projected to drop 24.3% due to manufacturers retreating from unprofitable lower-priced models, Apple's iOS shipments are expected to fall by just 1.3%. This resilience is poised to propel Apple's global smartphone market share to a record high of 23.6%. Looking further ahead, Apple is projected to capture significant upside in the foldable device segment. IDC estimates Apple will ship upwards of 17 million foldable iPhones in 2027, capturing roughly 40% of global foldable volume and generating over $45.7 billion in category market value.