New forecasts from IDC predict a 1% growth in the smartphone market for 2025, with iPhone shipments expected to drive the increase with a 3.9% year-on-year (YoY) growth. The total number of smartphone shipments is projected to reach 1.24 billion this year, marking an improvement from IDC's previous forecast of 0.6%.
This growth is attributed to healthy replacement demand, particularly in regions like the US and the Middle East, offsetting a decline in shipments in China. The average selling price per smartphone is also expected to increase by 5% in 2025, contributing to a 6% growth in overall market revenue.
The rise of "GenAI smartphones" and the steady increase in foldable smartphone shipments, especially after Apple's entry into the foldable market, are anticipated trends through 2029. However, foldable smartphones are still projected to make up less than 3% of total shipments by that year.
