GF Securities sees Apple shipments up 4% in 2026 as market falls
GF Securities analysts expect Apple to ship 257 million phones in 2026 while the global market drops 14.2%, according to 9to5Mac.
GF Securities analysts Jeff Pu and Henry Huang forecast that Apple's smartphone shipments will reach 257 million units in 2026, up 4% year on year, even as the overall market contracts, according to 9to5Mac.
The same forecast puts global smartphone shipments at 1.08 billion units in 2026, down 14.2% from a year earlier. The analysts cite rising memory chip prices as the main cause of the downturn.
Against that backdrop, Apple's projected global market share is seen climbing from 19% in 2024 to 20% in 2025 and 24% in 2026. Samsung Electronics is expected to ship 241 million units in 2026, roughly flat year on year, which would leave it behind Apple.
Production plans trimmed
The forecast also flags supply constraints. The production plan for the iPhone Duo was cut from 7 million to 6 million units this year because of a hinge supply issue, while the iPhone 18 Pro series plan was lowered to 72 million units over a variable aperture camera component problem.
Demand for the iPhone Duo has pushed US delivery dates to late January 2027, according to the report. GF Securities kept a Hold rating on Apple with a USD 369 target price.
Quick answers
How many smartphones is Apple expected to ship in 2026?
GF Securities analysts forecast 257 million units, a 4% increase year on year.
Why was the iPhone Duo production plan cut?
The plan was reduced from 7 million to 6 million units this year due to a hinge supply issue.
What rating does GF Securities have on Apple?
GF Securities kept a Hold rating with a USD 369 target price.