IDC Report: 5G Smartphone Market Set for Exponential Growth, Predicts IDC
New Delhi: The global market for 5G smartphones is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, with projections showing another year of double-digit expansion in 2025, exceeding 13.2%, according to a recent IDC report.
In 2024, 5G smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 16%, a trend anticipated to continue into the following year. The global market share of 5G devices is forecasted to rise to 74.4% in 2025, up from 67.2% this year.
Anthony Scarsella, IDC’s research director, highlighted that while 5G adoption saturates in developed markets, emerging markets will drive significant shipment growth. He emphasized the role of expanding adoption across regions and markets in sustaining this growth trajectory.
Looking ahead, the overall smartphone market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2024 to 2028. In contrast, 5G smartphone shipments are expected to outpace this, with a 9.1% growth rate over the same period.
Furthermore, IDC forecasts a 4% year-over-year increase in global smartphone shipments in 2024, reaching 1.21 billion units. The recovery trend is expected to continue in 2025 with a growth rate of 2.3%.
Nabila Popal, also a research director at IDC, discussed the market dynamics affecting Android and iOS platforms. Android, recovering from a challenging period, faces competitive pressures, whereas iOS growth has moderated after a strong 2023, particularly impacted by market dynamics in China.
Popal suggested that strategic advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially rejuvenate demand for iOS devices, particularly in the Chinese market, enhancing growth prospects for the iPhone maker.
IDC’s comprehensive analysis underscores the robust growth trajectory of 5G smartphones amidst evolving market conditions and technological advancements in the global smartphone industry.
