According to industry experts, Apple is having a record-breaking year with its iPhone, iPad, and Mac product lines.
While many other major tech companies are struggling with rising component costs, Apple is aiming for growth in almost every area by 2026.
Last week, some iPad and MacBook models suddenly increased in price. However, iFans don't need to worry about Apple's long-term financial stability and sales performance in key industries – which the company has dominated for years. A new report from Counterpoint Research has proven this.
The iPhone 17 series.
In short, nothing can stop the expansion of the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, at least in terms of market share.
Samsung has no chance this year.
For many years, analytics firms like Counterpoint, IDC, and Omdia have consistently published quarterly and annual estimates of global smartphone shipments. The battle for market leadership between Samsung and Apple has been incredibly intense (and fascinating) for a long time.
This year, Apple's iPhone sales are projected to remain "unchanged" compared to 2025. Meanwhile, "most" of its top competitors are facing double-digit declines in phone shipments.
Apple's product market share over the years.
Apple's product market share over the years.
Apple maintains its sales at a steady pace and improves its market share from 23% to 25%. In other words, Apple is almost certain to comfortably lead the smartphone market by 2026... regardless of whether a foldable iPhone Ultra actually goes on sale later that year.
iPads are becoming more expensive.
Remarkably, Apple continues to see growth in both sales volume and market share in the tablet market. Nearly four out of ten tablets sold worldwide this year are iPads. This includes the incredibly popular iPad Air duo with the M4 chip, followed by last year's powerful iPad Pro (M5) and upgraded versions of the basic iPad and iPad mini expected to launch in late 2026.
The Apple Watch and Mac are equally impressive.
While a 12% market share for Macs this year might seem modest compared to the projected growth of iPhones and iPads, it's still a significant step forward. From 9% in 2025, Apple is expected to increase its Mac market share to 12%, while also boosting shipments by 23%. This achievement is particularly notable given that the global laptop market is projected to decline by 11%.
The MacBook Neo is predicted to become one of Apple's most successful products. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are also expected to drive growth in the smartwatch market, contributing to raising Apple's market share from 20% last year to 23% by 2026.
According to forecasts, Apple will set new market share records in the smartphone, tablet, and laptop markets this year. While the smartwatch segment won't reach record high market share, it still shows positive signs, with production expected to increase by 1% in 2026 compared to 2025. Although the increase isn't huge, it's still an encouraging result given the volatile technology market. This is because smartwatches are less dependent on memory chips than smartphones and tablets, thus mitigating the impact of rising component prices. This also means the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 may maintain the same price as their predecessors.