GoKawiilGF Securities: Apple to be only major phone maker growing shipments in 2026
Analysts Jeff Pu and Henry Huang of GF Securities forecast Apple will ship 257 million smartphones in 2026, a 4% increase, even as the overall market shrinks over 14% to 1.08 billion units. Apple's global market share would rise to 24%, ahead of Samsung's roughly flat 241 million units, while the note also flags weaker reception for the iPhone 18 Pro models and production constraints tied to hinge issues on the iPhone Duo.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The analysts attribute the broader industry slump largely to rising memory prices pushing manufacturers to cut shipments and raise prices, suggesting Apple's scale and pricing power may be helping it absorb these cost pressures better than rivals. The reported production constraints and lukewarm Pro model reception could complicate Apple's 2026 outlook even as it outperforms competitors on paper.
- Apple projected to grow shipments to 257 million units in 2026 while the overall market falls over 14%
- Apple's global smartphone market share forecast to reach 24% in 2026, up from 19% in 2024
- iPhone 18 Pro models face tepid reception and hinge-related production constraints, according to the analysts
Apple iPhone 17 Pro — With Apple outpacing rivals in shipments and market share heading into 2026, the current iPhone 17 Pro is a great way to see what's driving that momentum right now. It offers Apple's latest camera, chip, and display upgrades while you wait to see how the rumored iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo pan out.
See Apple iPhone 17 Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-10-16
Published there as: “Report: Apple gains ground on rivals, but iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo face challenges”
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