Synopsis
Despite its phenomenal growth – which will continue for many years to come – the smartphone is set to eventually become a utility product.
This will first emerge in the developed markets, where smartphone penetration is now reaching levels of 60%-75%. This is mainly driven by Samsung and other Android-based smartphones, with Apple operating at the top end in the market, where people are prepared to pay a premium for the iPhone.
Touchscreen tablets have also become very popular; with the most widely known being the Apple iPad. The iPad has competitive threats however from the multitude of tablet devices now on the market and the rising threat of Android.
The next frontier will be new markets that can be built on the smartphone platform. Of course this market is already well and truly underway. Another threat to the smartphone business is the limitations of the mobile broadband infrastructure. You can develop all of these new applications and services but if the infrastructure cannot handle the capacity there will be little use for them. Developed markets are now eating up new spectrum with a voracious appetite.
This report provides overall global statistics and forecasts for mobile smartphones and handsets, including growth, sales and revenue. Current and historical global market share for the top handset suppliers is also included. The report also provides information on Touchscreen Tablets including the major devices and Operating System market share. A case study in the key market of China has also been included.
Latest developments:
Smart phones still only account for around 18% of mobile device connections globally in 2013, leaving much room for growth over the next few years; Africa is considered to be the world’s fastest growing smart phone market; Jolla is expected to launch a new smart phone in 2013 based on Sailfish OS; A number of manufacturers are reportedly working on smart watches, including Microsoft, Apple, LG and Samsung.
Companies mentioned in this report:
Apple iPhone; Nokia; Google Android; Samsung; Jolla; other handset and touchscreen market leaders.
Financial information in this report includes:
Global handset sales; global handset revenue; handset supplier market share; Smartphones sales; smartphones operating system market share; Global touchscreen tablet operating system market share; Global touchscreen tablet sales.
