Smartphone sales rise slightly, with AI mobiles set to take over

According to a new report by research firm IDC, global sales of smartphones will increase by 1% in 2025 compared to last year, to a total of 1.24 billion units.

This increase is taking place despite the global economic turmoil, thanks to unexpectedly high demand in the US, the Middle East, and Africa. Apple is doing the best, and is expected to sell 3.9% more iPhones this year compared to last year.

Furthermore, IDC expects 370 million AI-enabled mobile phones to be sold this year, accounting for 30% of total sales in the segment. In four years, that share is expected to rise to 70%, IDC notes in the report.

The report also eyes foldable phones, forecasting 6% year-over-year growth in 2025, another 6% in 2026, and 11% in 2027 as the category matures. Even with such growth, IDC expects the demand for foldables to remain small compared to the rest of the mobile market, making up just 3% of total smartphone shipments in 2029.