On December 3, research firm IDC made a forecast indicating that Apple (AAPL.O) is set to achieve a record-breaking number of iPhone shipments this year. This anticipated milestone is attributed to the introduction of its newest model, the iPhone 17, as well as the rebound of the pivotal Chinese market.

According to a report published by IDC on Tuesday, Apple's iPhone shipments are projected to hit 247.4 million units in 2025, marking a modest year-on-year increase of slightly over 6%. This projection exceeds the 236 million units shipped in 2021 after the launch of the iPhone 13.

Nabila Popal, the Senior Research Director at IDC, remarked in a statement that the expected spike in Apple's shipments can be largely credited to the extraordinary success of the iPhone 17 series, especially in the Chinese market. Here, the substantial demand for the iPhone 17 has significantly boosted Apple's performance. IDC also highlighted that Apple's shipments in China during the fourth quarter are anticipated to witness a 17% year-on-year growth.

Consequently, the research firm has adjusted its growth forecast for the Chinese smartphone market this year, changing it from a 1% decline to a 3% increase.