Smartphones are set to see some big changes in the next few years. A new report from research firm IDC predicts that by 2028, AI-enabled phones will make up about 70% of all smartphone sales worldwide. That’s a huge jump from today, where AI phones are just starting to gain ground.

Despite economic ups and downs, the smartphone market is still growing. IDC says global sales will increase by 1% in 2025, reaching around 1.24 billion units. This growth is mainly driven by strong demand in places like the US, the Middle East, and Africa. Apple is leading the charge, expected to sell about 3.9% more iPhones this year compared to last year.

Rise of AI-Enabled Phones

A big part of this growth is the rise of AI-enabled phones. IDC forecasts that 370 million of these smart devices will be sold in 2025, making up 30% of all smartphone sales. These devices use artificial intelligence to offer smarter features, better cameras, and more personalized user experiences. As AI technology advances, more phones will likely integrate these capabilities.

Looking ahead, the report predicts that within four years, AI phones will make up 70% of sales. That’s a huge shift in a relatively short amount of time. Consumers are increasingly interested in phones that can do more with AI, whether it’s for better photography, smarter assistants, or improved security features.

Foldable Phones and Market Trends

The report also highlights foldable phones as a growing trend. Although their market share is still small, foldables are expected to see steady growth. IDC forecasts a 6% increase in foldable phone sales in 2025, with the same growth rate in 2026, and even an 11% rise in 2027 as the category matures.

Even with this growth, foldable phones are projected to remain a niche segment. By 2029, IDC expects foldables to account for just 3% of total smartphone shipments. They are seen as an innovative but still niche product compared to the broader market of traditional smartphones.

In summary, the smartphone industry is on the cusp of a major transformation driven by AI. As AI features become standard, more users will want phones that can think and learn. Meanwhile, foldable phones will continue to grow but won’t replace the mainstream devices anytime soon. The next few years will be interesting to watch as these trends unfold.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4049916/small-increase-in-mobile-sales-ai-mobiles-taking-over.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• podigee.com
• podigee.com