The latest research from Omdia reveals that global smartphone shipments grew by 2% in 2025 to 1.25 billion units, marking the highest annual level since 2021. The smartphone market ended quarter four of 2025 with 4% year-over-year growth, bolstered by seasonal tailwinds and strong vendor performance, according to Omdia. Despite this momentum, rising costs for key components and memory late in the period have started to dampen volume growth expectations for the start of 2026, notes the research group. Apple delivered its highest annual volume ever in 2025 as iPhone shipments grew 7% to 240.6 million units, helping it maintain the title as the world’s largest vendor for the third consecutive year. An all-time high quarterly iPhone volume in quarter four of 2025 fueled its performance, with Apple notably posting 26% year-on-year growth in Mainland China driven by stronger iPhone 17 series demand.