The smartphone penetration share reached about ** percent in Singapore, indicating that it is a leading country for the use and engagement of smartphones. What are Singaporeans using their smartphones for? A recent study revealed Singaporeans spent most of their time on social and communication apps. This frequency and intensity with which Singaporeans use their smartphone opens-up infinite opportunities for companies to reach their customer. Not surprisingly, digital advertising spending made up over ** percent of the country's total ad spend. What can be expected from Singapore in terms of digitalization? Many Asian countries are drifting towards a mobile and well-connected landscape. Governments around the world are trying to support this transformation in order to increase their economic growth. Singapore has the advantage of being a city-state with a well performing infrastructure. The primary focus will be on conceptualizing and reinventing technology-driven development to continuously expand their smart city. For instance, Singapore was the first country in the world to achieve country-wide 5G coverage.

In 2023, the number of smartphone users in Singapore reached about *** million. This number has been increasing since 2020 and is expected to grow to over *** million by 2029. The use of smartphones and the internet Smartphones and internet use are growing hand in hand. In Singapore, internet penetration has been steadily increasing and is expected to rise even further in the following years, with the mobile internet penetration rate there among the highest in the world. Thanks to its well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, Singapore has one of the fastest mobile internet connection speeds in the region, becoming the first country in the world to achieve nationwide 5G coverage. Social media use The smartphone penetration in Singapore is high and social media are widely used. Meta’s platforms are the most popular, with WhatsApp and Facebook leading the way. Twitter has the largest advertising audience in the country. The growing use of social networks allows advertisers to reach a broad audience, resulting in revenues that are expected to reach ****** million U.S. dollars in 2022.

Singapore Mobile Phone Statistics: TAS: Penetration Rate data was reported at 147.300 % in Aug 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 147.800 % for Jul 2018. Singapore Mobile Phone Statistics: TAS: Penetration Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 117.400 % from Jan 1997 (Median) to Aug 2018, with 260 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 156.300 % in Mar 2014 and a record low of 13.600 % in Jan 1997. Singapore Mobile Phone Statistics: TAS: Penetration Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Singapore – Table SG.TB001: Telecommunication Statistics.

In 2020, 100 percent of residents aged 15 to 24 years in Singapore used smartphones. In comparison, ** percent of residents over the age of 75 used smartphones. Overall, the share of residents using smartphones has increased across all age groups in Singapore since 2016.

The population share with mobile internet access in Singapore was forecast to remain on a similar level in 2029 as compared to 2024 with 95.06 percent. According to this forecast, the mobile internet penetration will stay nearly the same over the forecast period. The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.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 further information concerning Indonesia and Thailand.

In 2022, Apple held a market share of approximately 33.5 percent in Singapore. Previously the leading mobile vendor in 2015, Samsung’s market share has decreased to approximately 22 percent.

Mobile vendors in Singapore

As of 2023, there were over five million smartphone users in the country, with a mobile population penetration rate of 169.9 percent. Singaporeans were found to use their mobile phones mainly for online banking and entertainment purposes.

Current developments

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mobile market in Singapore was expected to shrink in the next years. However, entry level and mid-range smartphone models experienced an almost 178 percent boost in searches during this period – especially the iPhone SE and Oppo 3. Huawei, one of the leading mobile vendors in the country, is also catching up to Apple with its latest release, Huawei P30 Pro.

Mobile penetration rate (in %) refers to mobile subscriptions over total population in Singapore

According to a survey conducted in the third quarter of 2023, 94.4 percent of respondents in Singapore owned mobile phones that were smartphones. Over four percent of those surveyed also owned feature phones in the country.

The number of smartphone users in Thailand was forecast to continuously decrease between 2024 and 2029 by in total 4.1 million users (-9.77 percent). According to this forecast, in 2029, the smartphone user base will have decreased for the fifth consecutive year to 37.87 million users. 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 Cambodia and Singapore.

Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Umidigi data was reported at 0.000 % in 18 Feb 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.010 % for 17 Feb 2024. Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Umidigi data is updated daily, averaging 0.010 % from Feb 2024 (Median) to 18 Feb 2024, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.030 % in 14 Feb 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 18 Feb 2024. Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Umidigi data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Singapore – Table SG.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

The Singapore MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) market, valued at $472.23 million in 2025, exhibits robust growth potential, projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.46% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, rising data consumption driven by the proliferation of mobile applications and streaming services, and a growing preference for flexible and cost-effective mobile plans among consumers. The market is segmented primarily by service type, encompassing voice and data services. Competition is intense, with established players like StarHub Limited (Giga) and MyRepublic Limited vying for market share alongside newer entrants like GOMO and Circles.Life, each offering unique value propositions to attract subscribers. The success of MVNOs hinges on their ability to leverage innovative marketing strategies, offer competitive pricing structures, and cater to specific consumer needs, whether through specialized data packages or targeted promotions. The market's growth trajectory is further reinforced by the increasing demand for prepaid plans and the adoption of 5G technology, promising enhanced mobile experiences. The historical period (2019-2024) likely saw a gradual increase in market size, influenced by factors like the earlier stages of 5G rollout and shifts in consumer preferences towards greater data allowances. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates sustained growth, although the rate may fluctuate slightly year-on-year depending on economic conditions, technological advancements (like the evolution of 6G), and the competitive landscape. The continued entry of new MVNOs and the ongoing innovations in mobile services are anticipated to shape the market's evolution throughout the forecast period, creating both opportunities and challenges for existing players. The strategic partnerships between MVNOs and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will also play a crucial role in determining the market’s future trajectory. Recent developments include: December 2023 - Singapore, giga made a splash in town with its fourth-anniversary campaign, "Feeling Good," where customers could give out new mobile lines to family and friends for just SGD 1. Additionally, the company planned to offer free data on rainy days, fuel customer data consumption, and adoption of Giga's services in the country., November 2023 - To help resolve customers questions who still have unused cellular data, GOMO, a subsidiary of Singtel's communications technology group, launched an advertising campaign for its new Databank. Done in partnership with Publicis Groupe Singapore, Singtel aimed to utilize a social-first approach, emphasizing social media to foster community engagement and brand affinity to be educated on real-world scenarios of data wastage.. Notable trends are: Voice to be the Largest Service Type.

In 2023, around 5.84 million people accessed the internet through their mobile phones in Singapore. This figure is forecast to reach six million mobile phone users in 2029. The country has one of the highest mobile internet penetration rates in Asia.

Mobile internet providers in Singapore

In Singapore, mobile internet coverage is provided by the four major telecom operators Singtel, StarHub, M1, and TPG. As of November 2023, StarHub provided the best 5G availability across the country. In July 2022, Singtel, through its network, was the first operator to achieve nationwide 5G coverage in Singapore.

Mobile apps in Singapore 

This high connectivity and network coverage allow Singaporeans to use a variety of apps on their smartphones for daily activities. In 2023, a survey revealed that the most used mobile apps among Singaporeans were entertainment and video sharing apps. The most downloaded apps by Android users in Singapore in February 2024 were Instagram and Whatsapp Messenger.

In 2023, Singapore Mobile Phone Accessories Market reached a value of USD 297.8 million, and it is projected to surge to USD 466.0 million by 2030

Singapore Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Mobile: AOL data was reported at 0.010 % in 24 Jan 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.000 % for 23 Jan 2025. Singapore Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Mobile: AOL data is updated daily, averaging 0.010 % from Sep 2024 (Median) to 24 Jan 2025, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.020 % in 30 Sep 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 23 Jan 2025. Singapore Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Mobile: AOL data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Singapore – Table SG.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share.

The Asia-Pacific IT device market, encompassing PCs (laptops, desktops, tablets), and phones (landlines, smartphones, feature phones), is experiencing moderate growth, projected at a CAGR of 1.90% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, increasing smartphone penetration, particularly in rapidly developing economies like India and Indonesia, is a major driver. The shift towards affordable smartphones and improved internet infrastructure continues to expand the user base. Secondly, the increasing demand for laptops and tablets driven by remote work trends, online education, and entertainment consumption, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, contributes significantly to market expansion. Furthermore, the adoption of 5G technology and the subsequent need for compatible devices further fuels market expansion within the region. However, market growth faces challenges. Economic fluctuations, particularly affecting consumer spending power, act as a significant restraint. Supply chain disruptions, especially in the wake of global geopolitical events, also present ongoing obstacles. The market is segmented geographically, with China, India, and Japan representing significant portions of the overall market share, while other countries such as Australia, South Korea, and Singapore contribute to overall growth. The competitive landscape is intensely competitive, with established players like Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi vying for market share alongside other major brands like Lenovo, Dell, and HP. These companies continuously innovate and launch new products to cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences within the region's diverse demographic landscape. The long-term outlook for the Asia-Pacific IT device market remains positive, with continued growth expected. However, sustained success will depend on companies' ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, manage supply chain complexities, and address economic uncertainties. Focused strategies targeting specific geographic segments and developing products tailored to regional needs will be crucial for success. Furthermore, investments in research and development for cutting-edge technologies will be paramount for maintaining competitive advantage in this dynamic and highly competitive market. Recent developments include: July 2022: Samsung Electronics, the leading telephone brand in the world, announced the launch of Samsung Newsroom Singapore. The Samsung Newsroom in Southeast Asia, located in Singapore, would offer various information, including press releases, live broadcasts of local and international Samsung events, and high-quality photos and videos., June 2022: Huawei introduced new technologies that Would transform AI, 5G, and user experience. The recognized innovations include a game-changing "optical iris" that would act as an optical fiber identifier and an adder neural network that drastically decreases power consumption and circuit size. It is intended to aid carriers in managing the resources on their networks, reducing the time and expense involved in the broadband rollout.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising Demand of 5G Enabled Smartphones, Robust Technological Presence in China. Potential restraints include: Supply Chain Disruption Owing to COVID-19. Notable trends are: Robust Demand for Smart Phones.

As of the third quarter of 2020, about 95 percent of the internet users in Singapore used chat apps to communicate online. Singapore has a smartphone penetration rate of almost 150 percent and is therefore suitable for a thriving mobile application market.

As of the third quarter of 2020, around 79 percent of the internet users in Singapore used their phones to use or scan QR codes. The mobile phone penetration rate in Singapore reached almost 150 percent in 2019.

Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Infinex data was reported at 0.010 % in 10 Jul 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.010 % for 09 Jul 2024. Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Infinex data is updated daily, averaging 0.010 % from Jul 2023 (Median) to 10 Jul 2024, with 245 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.050 % in 29 Dec 2023 and a record low of 0.000 % in 26 May 2024. Singapore Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Infinex data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Singapore – Table SG.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

According to the results of a smartphone usage survey conducted in Singapore in 2023, 39 percent of respondents stated that they used their smartphone fairly often while watching TV. In comparison, only seven percent indicated that they did not use their smartphone at all while watching TV.

The population share with mobile internet access in Thailand was forecast to continuously decrease between 2024 and 2029 by in total 5.4 percentage points. According to this forecast, in 2029, the mobile internet penetration will have decreased for the fifth consecutive year to 53.11 percent. Notably, the population share with mobile internet access of was continuously increasing over the past years.The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population having access to the internet via a mobile broadband connection.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 further information concerning Indonesia and Singapore.