In 2020, about 82.66 percent of the total population in the United States lived in cities and urban areas. As the United States was one of the earliest nations to industrialize, it has had a comparatively high rate of urbanization over the past two centuries. The urban population became larger than the rural population during the 1910s, and by the middle of the century it is expected that almost 90 percent of the population will live in an urban setting. Regional development of urbanization in the U.S. The United States began to urbanize on a larger scale in the 1830s, as technological advancements reduced the labor demand in agriculture, and as European migration began to rise. One major difference between early urbanization in the U.S. and other industrializing economies, such as the UK or Germany, was population distribution. Throughout the 1800s, the Northeastern U.S. became the most industrious and urban region of the country, as this was the main point of arrival for migrants. Disparities in industrialization and urbanization was a key contributor to the Union's victory in the Civil War, not only due to population sizes, but also through production capabilities and transport infrastructure. The Northeast's population reached an urban majority in the 1870s, whereas this did not occur in the South until the 1950s. As more people moved westward in the late 1800s, not only did their population growth increase, but the share of the urban population also rose, with an urban majority established in both the West and Midwest regions in the 1910s. The West would eventually become the most urbanized region in the 1960s, and over 90 percent of the West's population is urbanized today. Urbanization today New York City is the most populous city in the United States, with a population of 8.3 million, while California has the largest urban population of any state. California also has the highest urbanization rate, although the District of Columbia is considered 100 percent urban. Only four U.S. states still have a rural majority, these are Maine, Mississippi, Montana, and West Virginia.

The median age indicates the age separating the population group into two halves of equal size.

Population is the sum of births plus in-migration, and it signifies the total market size possible in the area. This is an important metric for economic developers to measure their economic health and investment attraction. Businesses also use this as a metric for market size when evaluating startup, expansion or relocation decisions.

As of February 2025, China ranked first among the countries with the most internet users worldwide. The world's most populated country had 1.11 billion internet users, more than triple the third-ranked United States, with just around 322 million internet users. Overall, all BRIC markets had over two billion internet users, accounting for four of the ten countries with more than 100 million internet users. Worldwide internet usage As of October 2024, there were more than five billion internet users worldwide. There are, however, stark differences in user distribution according to region. Eastern Asia is home to 1.34 billion internet users, while African and Middle Eastern regions had lower user figures. Moreover, the urban areas showed a higher percentage of internet access than rural areas. Internet use in China China ranks first in the list of countries with the most internet users. Due to its ongoing and fast-paced economic development and a cultural inclination towards technology, more than a billion of the estimated 1.4 billion population in China are online. As of the third quarter of 2023, around 87 percent of Chinese internet users stated using WeChat, the most popular social network in the country. On average, Chinese internet users spent five hours and 33 minutes online daily.

Number of people belonging to a visible minority group as defined by the Employment Equity Act and, if so, the visible minority group to which the person belongs. The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as 'persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.' The visible minority population consists mainly of the following groups: South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Latin American, Arab, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean and Japanese.

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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.

What will be the Size of the Mobile Phone Market During the Forecast Period?

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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

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Age-sex charts emphasize the gap between the numbers of males and females at a specific age group. It also illustrates the age and gender trends across all age and gender groupings. A chart skewed heavily to the left describes a very young population while a chart skewed heavily to the right illustrates an aging population.

The marital status is another term for civil status, or person's current relationship with a partner.

Ages chart illustrates the age and gender trends across all age and gender groupings. A chart where the the covered area is primarily on the right describes a very young population while a chart where the the covered area is primarily on the left illustrates an aging population.

The median income indicates the income bracket separating the income earners into two halves of equal size.

The household incomes chart shows how many household fall in each of the income brackets specified by Statistics Canada.