[Edaily Reporter Park Sun-Yeop ] Forecasts suggest that the iPhone market will enter a new growth cycle as Apple introduces its own leasing program to make iPhone purchases more affordable. Analysts predict that domestic semiconductor and component manufacturers will also benefit as consumer replacement cycles shorten and sales of high-end models—such as the Pro, Pro Max, and foldable models—increase.
Kim Dong-won, Head of Research at KB Securities, stated in a report on the 24th, “Apple’s lease program is not merely a change in how iPhones are purchased; it is a strategy designed to shorten replacement cycles and drive sales centered on high-end models.”

Citing foreign media reports, KB Securities predicted that Apple will launch a new lease program called “Apple Upgrade” in the U.S. on the 28th. Under this program, consumers will spread their payments over 24 months, which is expected to reduce the perceived financial burden even if iPhone prices rise.
In particular, the program is expected to shorten the iPhone replacement cycle—which has recently lengthened to three to four years or more—to around two years. This not only locks consumers into a regular product replacement cycle but also increases the sales share of high-end products such as the Pro and Pro Max models, as well as the foldable iPhone set to be released in the future.
He also highlighted that this is Apple’s own program, separate from carrier contracts. Even if consumers switch carriers, they can continue using their iPhone through their existing lease agreement, which could strengthen the direct relationship between customers and Apple. It is also expected to encourage Android users to switch to the iPhone.
Head Kim believes that, given the increased likelihood of iPhone hardware price hikes due to memory semiconductor supply constraints, the lease program will help mitigate the impact of these price increases. He forecasts that Apple will fully implement a “premium strategy” aimed at raising the average selling price by increasing the proportion of high-end models rather than focusing on sales volume.
Accordingly, global iPhone shipments are estimated to rise from 240 million units last year to 250 million this year and 260 million in 2027. If this forecast holds true, next year’s iPhone shipments will reach an all-time high.
The proliferation of on-device artificial intelligence (AI) is also expected to stimulate memory demand. Kim predicted that Apple will equip the standard iPhone 18 model with 9–10 gigabytes (GB) of memory and the Pro series with 12 GB to implement Siri-based AI features.
He also predicted that the product lineup will expand significantly in 2027, marking the 20th anniversary of the iPhone’s launch. Analysts suggest that Apple may introduce six or more models—ranging from entry-level devices to foldables—to simultaneously expand its Agent AI ecosystem and increase its smartphone market share.
Domestic beneficiary stocks identified include SamsungElectronics(005930), SK hynix(000660), and LG Innotek(011070). The analysis suggests that the increase in iPhone memory capacity will have a positive impact on SamsungElectronics and SK hynix, while increased shipments of high-end models could lead to improved earnings for LG Innotek, a supplier of camera modules.
“Apple’s shift in its high-end iPhone sales strategy will have a direct impact on component manufacturers’ earnings starting in the second quarter of this year,” said Kim, the division head, adding, “LG Innotek has the potential to achieve record-high earnings in 2027.”