In 2022, smartphone vendors sold around 1.39 billion smartphones were sold worldwide, with this number forecast to drop to 1.34 billion in 2023.

Smartphone penetration rate still on the rise

Less than half of the world’s total population owned a smart device in 2016, but the smartphone penetration rate has continued climbing, reaching 78.05 percent in 2020. By 2025, it is forecast that almost 87 percent of all mobile users in the United States will own a smartphone, an increase from the 27 percent of mobile users in 2010.

Smartphone end user sales

In the United States alone, sales of smartphones were projected to be worth around 73 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, an increase from 18 billion dollars in 2010. Global sales of smartphones are expected to increase from 2020 to 2021 in every major region, as the market starts to recover from the initial impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The number of smartphone users in the United States was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 17.4 million users (+5.61 percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the smartphone user base is estimated to reach 327.54 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of smartphone users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of smartphone users in countries like Mexico and Canada.

In 2021, the number of mobile devices operating worldwide stood at almost 15 billion, up from just over 14 billion in the previous year. The number of mobile devices is expected to reach 18.22 billion by 2025, an increase of 4.2 billion devices compared to 2020 levels.

Moving forward with 5G

As the number of devices grows, so does our dependence on them to fulfill daily functions and activities. The use cases for mobile devices increasingly demand faster connection speeds and lower latency. The 5G network will be critical to fulfilling those demands, operating at significantly faster rates than 4G. In North America, for example, it is expected that there will be 218 million 5G connections, up from just ten million in 2020. This means around 48 percent of all mobile connections in North America. Globally, this figure should reach 20.1 percent by 2025.

6G: looking beyond 5G

While 5G has entered commercialization and is already creating new opportunities, researchers and engineers are already experimenting with 6G. Not only will the number of mobile devices continue to grow but cellular internet-of-things (IoT) devices are set to permeate more industrial sectors in the coming years, meaning a solution will eventually be required for network congestion and data transfer speeds.

6G ought to be capable of solving those problems before they arise, potentially enabling a network connection density ten times greater than that of 5G, and peak data rates up to fifty times faster than the rate of 5G. The Federal Communications Commission in the United States has opened spectrum for experimentation, and China have already launched what is described as a 6G satellite, so that actual potential of 6G should be revealed over the coming decade.

Smartphones Market is Set To Grow Due To Factors Like Increased Disposable Income, Improved Telecom Infrastructure, Affordable Handsets, and Frequent Product Launches. With the Highest Number of Mobile Phone Users, China, India, and the US Lead the Market. Key Players are Strategically Collaborating To Enhance Services and Maintain Competitiveness. Rising Consumer Interest in 5G Gadgets is Influencing Manufacturers To Include 5G Chips in Their Devices. The Market is Also Driven by Lower Prices, Improved Cellular Phone Design, and the Emergence of 4G and 5G Network Technologies.

Snapshot img

Mobile Phone Market Size 2025-2029

The mobile phone market size is forecast to increase by USD 213.9 billion at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of telecom services and the proliferation of mobile applications. Smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, with consumers using them for various purposes such as communication, entertainment, and productivity. The market is witnessing a surge in mobile phone sales from e-commerce platforms, making it more accessible to a wider audience. 
However, concerns regarding security and privacy with smartphone usage continue to pose challenges. In addition, the market is also witnessing trends such as the integration of mobile phones with data centers, mobile gaming consoles, and autonomous vehicles, providing new opportunities for market growth.

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The emergence of 5G devices and test sites signifies the next phase of network development, promising faster data transfer rates and improved connectivity. Chipmakers play a crucial role in powering the smartphone market, ensuring the production of high-performance components. Handset design continues to evolve, focusing on sleeker forms, larger displays, and longer battery life. The market's size is substantial, with millions of units sold annually, reflecting the ubiquity of smartphones in today's digital world.

How is this Mobile Phone Industry segmented?

The mobile phone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Smartphone
  Feature phone


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The offline distribution channel segment in the US market caters to consumers who prefer a tangible shopping experience. Approximately two-thirds of consumers prefer purchasing mobile phones from physical retail stores, primarily due to the aging population. Offline distribution channels include independent retailers, multi-brand stores, and exclusive brand outlets. Personal interaction and the ability to test and compare devices before purchasing are significant advantages of offline retail.

Telecom infrastructure development, including 5G technology, enhances the offline buying experience by enabling instant device demos and showcasing the latest AI-powered smartphones. The integration of IoT and e-commerce platforms in offline stores further broadens the shopping experience. Semiconductor shortages and increasing mobile phone production through initiatives like Production-linked Incentives (PLI) continue to fuel the demand for mobile handsets.

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The offline segment was valued at USD 372.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 54% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in APAC has experienced substantial growth, with major contributors being China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia. The expanding urban population and rising disposable income have fueled the demand for smartphones. Telecom infrastructure development and the introduction of budget-centric devices are key growth drivers. Established manufacturers have set up production facilities in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India. The market is further propelled by technological advancements such as 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and IoT integration. Semiconductor components, e-commerce, and m-commerce are significant sectors driving market expansion. Consumers increasingly adopt smartphones for digital information access, trade activities, and entertainment.

Mid-range smartphones and 5G devices are popular choices, with chipmakers addressing the semiconductor shortage. Smartphone manufacturers prioritize handset design, Android operating system, and application developers for in-app purchases and IoT applications. 5G deployment and economic development are ongoing, with security architecture, eID, and retailers adapting to the digital society.

Market Dynamics

The smar

How many smartphone mobile network subscriptions are active worldwide? The number of smartphone mobile network subscriptions worldwide reached almost seven billion in 2023, and is forecast to exceed 7.7 billion by 2028. China, India, and the United States are the countries with the highest number of smartphone mobile network subscriptions. Smartphone unit sales levelling off The smartphone market still has high growth potential, with the smartphone penetration rate remaining lower than 70 percent in many highly populated markets, in particular China and India. Global smartphone revenue reached 481 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, but was expected to have fallen to 463 billion in 2022. Despite stagnating sales, the increasing average selling price of smartphones is expected to support the market over the coming years. Leading smartphone vendors The leading smartphone vendors today are Samsung and Apple. These technology companies account for about half of all smartphone shipments worldwide.

Cell phone recycling companies primarily separate and sort recyclable materials from cell phones, smartphones, pagers and personal digital assistants. Companies also refurbish devices for resale. Revenue from processing other electronics is excluded from this industry. As smartphones have become more widespread, consumers have purchased them in record numbers, causing individuals to throw away their old phones. The proliferation of old devices has increased demand for recycling services, causing revenue to expand. COVID-19 caused a shutdown of much of the economy, reducing consumer spending and industrial production and constraining demand for cell phones and their associated recycling services from the household and business sectors. Consumers had to work from home during the pandemic, so they bought new phones to do so more effectively, causing revenue growth to stay high in 2020.Prices of copper and silver soared during the pandemic recovery because of supply chain disruptions. Since cell phone recycling companies sell these inputs to manufacturing companies, elevated prices benefited the industry. These prices have declined recently, hindering revenue somewhat. Overall, revenue for cell phone recycling companies is anticipated to soar at a CAGR of 12.2% during the current period, reaching $3.0 billion in 2023. Revenue is projected to creep upward 1.7% in that year.Revenue growth will slow significantly in the near future. The market for cell phones will become more saturated, hindering revenue streams for phone makers, which reduces downstream demand for the industry. Manufacturers will produce fewer products in the United States because they'll outsource their jobs to developing countries. This will reduce their demand for copper, silver and other inputs domestically, constraining revenue for recycling companies. On the flip side, solid economic growth will keep per capita disposable income high, encouraging consumers to replace their old cell phones with new ones and raising demand for recycling services. Overall, revenue for cell phone recyclers is forecast to rise at a CAGR of 1.7% during the outlook period, reaching $3.3 billion in 2028. Profit is expected to comprise 6.3% of revenue in that year.

As of July 2024, Apple’s iPhone 15 was the most popular smartphone model sold in the United States, accounting for over 17.5 percent of total smartphone sales. The iPhone was the most popular smartphone in the United States at that time, occupying four spots in the top five. Apple and Samsung: two leading competitors Apple and Samsung are the leading smartphone vendors in the United States with a combined market share of almost 80 percent in the second quarter of 2023. The two smartphone vendors dominate the U.S. smartphone market not only in terms of sales, but also when it comes to customer satisfaction: Samsung’s Galaxy line and the Apple iPhones are the highest ranked smartphone models on the American customer satisfaction index. In line with their successes in the United States, Apple and Samsung also lead the global smartphone market, albeit to a lesser degree – the two brands have a combined market share of close to 40 percent. Smartphone penetration the highest in the United States Smartphone sales value in the United States more than doubled in the last decade, making the U.S. one of the major smartphone markets globally. In 2024, over 118 million smartphones were forecast to be sold, with the number of U.S. smartphone users forecast expected to grow in the coming years.

For the fourth year in a row, the Nigerien mobile phone market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 21% to $12.6B in 2023. Over the period under review, consumption saw a remarkable increase. Mobile phone consumption peaked in 2023 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Forecast: Sold Production of Mobile Phones in Italy 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Snapshot img

Smartphone Market Size 2025-2029

The smartphone market size is forecast to increase by USD 99.8 million, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. One major factor is the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in smartphones, enhancing user experience through features like voice recognition and facial recognition. Sensor fusion technology is another trend, enabling devices to collect and analyze data from various sensors for improved functionality and accuracy. However, ongoing trade wars are posing challenges to market growth, with tariffs and import taxes affecting smartphone sales, particularly in key markets. These trends and challenges are shaping the future of the smartphone industry.

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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in telecom infrastructure and the proliferation of affordable handsets. Mobile phone users increasingly seek devices capable of leveraging 5G network technologies, with chipmakers responding by producing 5G chips for integration into mobile handsets. Android and Windows Phone operating systems dominate the market, while third-party originators challenge the status quo. Improved hardware and software capabilities enable advanced digital functions such as web browsing, music, video, gaming, and camera capability. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances user experience. Governmental assistance and the transition from feature phones to smartphones further fuel market growth. Overall, the market remains dynamic, with a focus on affordable, high-performance devices that cater to the diverse needs of consumers.

How is this Smartphone Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The smartphone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Technology

  Android
  IOS
  Others


Price Range

  Between USD 150-USD 800
  Greater than USD 800
  Less than USD150


Screen Size

  Greater than 6 inches
  Between 5-6 inches
  Less than 5 inches


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Technology Insights

The android segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The Android operating system, provided by Alphabet Inc. (Google), is a globally popular choice for smartphones. With over 2.5 million apps available In the Google Play Store, users have access to a vast selection of applications catering to their diverse needs. Notable features of the Android OS include smart reply for messaging apps, focus mode options, Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes, and Google Assistant. Google offers essential web services such as Google Search, Google Maps, and YouTube free of charge. The Android OS's extensive feature set has contributed to its increasing popularity among consumers worldwide.

In addition, high-speed data connectivity and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) applications further enhance its appeal. Application developers create software for various lifestyle, social media, mobile utility, and other categories, ensuring a rich and diverse app ecosystem. The Android OS is written primarily in Java and C++, with support for in-app purchases and in-app course subscriptions.

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The android segment was valued at USD 203.60 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in APAC has experienced substantial growth, with China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia being the primary contributors to revenue generation. The expansion of urban populations and the subsequent increase in disposable income have fueled the demand for smartphones In the region. Key drivers of this market growth include the advancement of telecom infrastructure and the emergence of affordable smartphone options. Major global smartphone manufacturers have established manufacturing facilities in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India to cater to the increasing demand.

Additionally, digital information consumption, human-computer interaction advancements, and t

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Anti Radiation Devices For Cell Phones Market size is USD 255.5 million in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.80% from 2023 to 2030.

North America held the major market of around 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 102.20 million in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030.
Europe accounted for a share of around 30% of the global market size of USD 76.65 million
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 58.77 million in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2023 to 2030
Latin America market of around 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 12.78 million in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030.
Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5.11 million in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030

Rising Mobile Phone Usage to Increase Global Sales

The escalating global trend of increased mobile phone usage serves as a robust catalyst for the exponential growth of anti-radiation devices. As mobile devices become indispensable in daily life, people are becoming more aware of potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation. This heightened reliance on smartphones translates into a larger market for protective solutions. The surge in mobile phone usage not only amplifies concerns about radiation exposure but also propels the demand for effective, user-friendly anti-radiation devices. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this surge, developing innovative technologies that seamlessly integrate with mobile devices, ensuring widespread adoption. The rising tide of mobile phone usage creates a significant opportunity for global sales of anti-radiation devices, positioning them as essential accessories for the modern digital lifestyle.

Corporate Wellness Initiatives to Impact Positively in the Market

Corporate wellness initiatives are playing a pivotal role in positively influencing the market for anti-radiation devices. As organizations increasingly prioritize employee health, they are integrating protective technologies into their wellness programs. Providing anti-radiation devices as part of corporate wellness initiatives not only demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being but also addresses concerns related to prolonged mobile phone use. This strategic approach fosters a positive impact on the market, as employees embrace these devices as essential tools for maintaining health in the workplace. Companies investing in such initiatives contribute to the market's growth, creating a ripple effect as employees, now equipped with anti-radiation solutions, become advocates for these devices in their personal lives. The corporate endorsement of anti-radiation devices propels their market presence, positioning them as integral components of a holistic wellness strategy.

Market Restraints of the Anti Radiation Devices for Cell Phones Market

Limited Scientific Consensus to Restrict Market Growth

The market for anti-radiation devices faces a significant challenge due to the limited scientific consensus on the long-term health effects of mobile phone radiation. The absence of conclusive evidence can create scepticism among consumers, impeding the widespread adoption of these protective solutions. With conflicting research findings and ongoing debates within the scientific community, potential users may hesitate to invest in anti-radiation devices, uncertain about their efficacy in mitigating health risks. The lack of a clear and universally accepted stance on the issue hinders the market's growth, as consumers may question the necessity of such devices. Manufacturers and marketers in this space must navigate the complex landscape of scientific discourse to build consumer trust and address concerns, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research to establish the efficacy of anti-radiation technologies.

Impact of the COVID-19 on Anti Radiation Devices for Cell Phones Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a multifaceted impact on the anti-radiation devices for cell phones market. With lockdowns and remote work becoming the norm, there was an up...

The Ghanian mobile phone market contracted significantly to $184M in 2024, with a decrease of -19.8% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, recorded tangible growth. Mobile phone consumption peaked at $230M in 2023, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global SIM Free Smartphone market size is USD 781242.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 to 2031.

North America SIM Free Smartphone Market held 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 312496.88 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe SIM Free Smartphone is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031. Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 4,386.36 million.
Asia Pacific SIM Free Smartphone Market held 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 179685.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America SIM Free Smartphone Market held 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 39062.11 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 14624.84 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Consumers are finding SIM-free handsets more appealing and economical because to technological developments in the smartphone sector. For instance, performance has increased and costs have decreased as a result of the development of new chipsets and display technologies.
To promote the use of SIM-free cell phones, certain governments are putting out effort. For instance, the European Union has put in place laws that facilitate customers' ability to move between mobile service providers. 

Increasing Demand for Flexibility and Choice to Increase the Demand Globally

The increasing need for customization and choice in cell plans is changing customer tastes, with a discernible move favoring SIM-free devices. With the help of this trend, consumers may choose carriers and plans that best suit their requirements and tastes, freeing them from the limitations of traditional contracts. Customers can better manage their mobile experience by optimizing charges and services based on their usage patterns and preferences when they decouple the device from the service provider. This need for flexibility indicates a larger movement in customer expectations in the telecom sector toward transparent and customized alternatives, spurring competition and innovation among carriers to satisfy the changing demands of today's mobile-centric customers.

Growing Popularity of Online Retail to Propel Market Growth

The smartphone market has revolutionized due to the increasing popularity of online retail, especially regarding SIM-free smartphones. Customers may now purchase cell phones online with never-before-seen accessibility and simplicity. Online merchants offer a wider range of SIM-free cellphones than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, with competitive pricing and a diverse assortment. This change has made mobile technology more accessible to a wider range of people, giving them more freedom to choose the gadgets that suit their needs and finances. Furthermore, the smooth shopping experience provided by internet merchants has quickened the uptake of SIM-free cellphones, propelling market expansion in this area and changing the nature of the retail environment.

Market Restraints of the SIM Free Smartphone

Complexity of Choosing a Plan to Limit the Sales

For many customers thinking about making the transition, choosing a SIM-free plan that works is difficult. People may feel overpowered by the many choices, disparate cost models, and wide range of services available, making them reluctant to switch to a SIM-free phone. Some people may be discouraged from switching by the complexity of comparing plans and comprehending terms and conditions, choosing to remain with traditional contract-based solutions for simplicity. To help customers navigate the complexity of selecting a SIM-free plan, providers must simplify plan options, increase transparency, and give user-friendly tools. This will help consumers feel more confident and encourage more people to take advantage of this market segment.

Impact of COVID-19 on the SIM-Free Smartphone Market

The market for SIM-free smartphones has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges. The di...

The Ugandan mobile phone market totaled $1.5B in 2023, stabilizing at the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $1.6B in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2023, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Android maintained its position as the leading mobile operating system worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 with a market share of about 71.88 percent. Android's closest rival, Apple's iOS, had a market share of approximately 27.65 percent during the same period. The leading mobile operating systems Both unveiled in 2007, Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have evolved through incremental updates introducing new features and capabilities. The latest version of iOS, iOS 18, was released in September 2024, while the most recent Android iteration, Android 15, was made available in September 2023. A key difference between the two systems concerns hardware - iOS is only available on Apple devices, whereas Android ships with devices from a range of manufacturers such as Samsung, Google and OnePlus. In addition, Apple has had far greater success in bringing its users up to date. As of February 2024, 66 percent of iOS users had iOS 17 installed, while in the same month only 13 percent of Android users ran the latest version. The rise of the smartphone From around 2010, the touchscreen smartphone revolution had a major impact on sales of basic feature phones, as the sales of smartphones increased from 139 million units in 2008 to 1.39 billion units in 2023. In 2020, smartphone sales decreased to 1.38 billion units due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Apple, Samsung, and lately also Xiaomi, were the big winners in this shift towards smartphones, with BlackBerry and Nokia among those unable to capitalize.

Number of cell phones of Tuva, Republic of dropped by 6.91% from 217 number per 100 households in 2015 to 202 number per 100 households in 2016. Since the 9.24% jump in 2014, number of cell phones plummeted by 22.31% in 2016. Indicator is based on the results of the sample survey of households' budgets addressing the end-year number of durable articles of a cultural and social nature owned by the households irrespectively to whether they were bought, created by the household members or received free. Indicator includes both working and broken articles pending current repair. Articles taken on hire or temporary use from relatives or acquaintance are excluded.

Apple held the largest slice of the global smartphone market by shipments during the fourth quarter of 2024, followed by Samsung. Xiaomi has taken a tight grip on the third position, accounting for a market share of 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. Samsung and Apple smartphone sales Smartphone vendors have been suffering from the events of the past couple of years, including the pandemic and the economic downturn. However, they all appear to be recovering, as shown by the recent increase in shipments. For instance, mostly based on the main line of Galaxy Series, Samsung's smartphone shipments totaled nearly 223.5 million units globally in 2024. Next to Samsung, Apple is a major manufacturer of smartphones worldwide, with the company shipping more than 228 million iPhones worldwide in 2024. Apple’s sales tend to be very cyclical, peaking in the fourth quarter each year, much like in the fourth quarter of 2023, when they took the first spot in terms of units shipped globally with around 80.5 units. Xiaomi in the lead While Apple and Samsung are typically the two major companies challenging for the top spot, Huawei had provided a strong challenge in recent years. Particularly, the Chinese company managed to climb the smartphone market ladder between 2011 and 2024, recording shipments of over 42 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, strong performances from rivals like Xiaomi and the effects of the U.S. trade ban have since seen Huawei fall outside the list of top five vendors by smartphone shipments.

As of the first quarter of 2024, Samsung was the leading smartphone vendor, holding 20 percent of the market. Apple followed closely occupying 17 percent of the global smartphone market. Other vendors had lower shares.

The forecast released in January 2022 anticipated a 1.7 billion U.S. dollar increase in the sales value of smartphones sold in the United States, for a total of 74.7 billion U.S. dollars in sales.

Apple and Samsung lead U.S. smartphone market    

Apple and Samsung are the leading smartphone vendors in the United States with a combined sales market share of close to 70 percent. Both companies have witnessed increasing market shares in recent years, although Samsung’s market share decreased in 2019. Together, the leading smartphone brands are used by around 75 percent of smartphone users in the United States.

Higher smartphone usage in urban areas and high-income groups    

Smartphone penetration in the United States varies according to location. Compared to rural areas, smartphone usage in urban and suburban areas is higher by over ten percent (195003). Smartphone penetration also correlates with income as higher income groups have larger smartphone penetration rates . Overall, the trend over the past years seems to be that the growth in penetration is somewhat the same over the different groups but that the adoption level of smartphones was initially higher with urban groups and higher income groups when smartphones first hit the market. This could be as a result of the high initial price of smartphones- only people with higher incomes could afford them, and the higher demand for network coverage in urban areas due to there being more smartphone users.