Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup, including a Touch ID–powered foldable model, is expected to drive AI-focused upgrades and market share growth in 2026.
You might unlock Apple’s foldable iPhone with your finger again
It is fascinating to watch how Apple operates when the rest of the tech world is tapping the brakes. While most smartphone manufacturers are bracing for a tough year in 2026, Apple seems to be preparing for yet another victory lap. A fresh investor note from analyst Jeff Pu gives us a rare peek behind the curtain at Cupertino’s strategy, and if his predictions hold water, the iPhone 18 era is going to be about much more than just a new camera bump or a slightly faster chip.
What stands out immediately is the contrast in market confidence. Pu is forecasting a broader industry slump in 2026, predicting a 4 percent drop in global smartphone shipments. He points to rising memory costs and a lack of excitement in the budget Android market as the main culprits. Yet, in typical Apple fashion, the company appears poised to swim upstream. Pu estimates Apple will actually grow its shipments by 2 percent, hitting roughly 250 million units. That would push their global market share to 21 percent—a steady climb from previous years.
