IDC Predicts Strong Growth in 2024 Smartphone Shipments

The smartphone market is set to experience significant growth in the coming years, according to a market analyst. The growth in 2024 is expected to add momentum to an overall recovery in consumer demand following a few dismal years post-COVID. Looking ahead, the recovery is projected to continue in 2025, with shipments anticipated to rise by 2.3 percent, resulting in a five-year compound annual growth rate of 2.3 percent.

The majority of this growth is predicted to be driven by Android sales, which are expected to grow at a rate of 4.8 percent. In contrast, Apple iPhones are forecasted to see a more modest growth of 0.7 percent. Nabila Popal, a research director at IDC, highlighted these trends, emphasizing the dominance of Android in the market.

According to data from IDC, global Android and iOS smartphone shipments are expected to show significant growth from 2022 to 2028. Popal commented on the market dynamics, stating, "The rapid growth of Android is coming off a tough two years, while iOS's softer growth is attributed to a strong 2023 and increasing competition in China that is impacting its growth potential."

Popal also suggested that Apple could boost its growth by focusing on its AI strategy for iPhones and demonstrating clear use cases. She believes that such a move could revamp demand for iPhones, particularly in the Chinese market. This strategic shift could potentially accelerate Apple's growth trajectory in the smartphone market.

Another research director at IDC, Anthony Scarsella, highlighted the role of 5G-powered smartphones in driving market growth. He noted that these devices are expected to exhibit nearly 16 percent growth in 2024 as adoption continues to expand globally. Scarsella emphasized the importance of 5G technology, stating that its saturation in developed markets will be crucial for driving shipments in the forecast period.

Scarsella further explained that while the overall smartphone market is projected to have a 2.3 percent compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2028, 5G shipments are anticipated to experience a remarkable 9.1 percent growth rate during the same period. This indicates the significant impact that 5G technology will have on the smartphone market in the coming years.

Source: IDC

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