The smartphone market is doing well globally, according to the latest report published by the IDC (International Data Corporation), with growth of 6.2%, well above the level of the 2020s during the crisis Covid. 1.24 billion units should be sold in 2024.
Apple is lagging behind on Android
But these developments hide differentiated trends with mixed progress on the Apple iPhone side and a notable evolution of Android devices. Explanations.
In detail, sales of Android smartphones are expected to grow by 7.6% this year compared to 2023. The market is boosted by impressive results in Asia-Pacific, excluding Japan and China, in Africa, and in Latin America. These are mainly inexpensive devices aimed at so-called emerging markets.
On the Apple side, on the other hand, things are rather gloomy. Sales will only increase by 0.4% year over year. However, the Cupertino company is achieving record sales in India. But its results are weighed down by more disappointing results in Europe, the United States and China.
We must of course put this somewhat dark picture into perspective. Remember, for example, that the Tech giant posted revenue of $94.9 billion in the fourth fiscal quarter, a level higher than analysts’ expectations.
The apple brand could also take its revenge next year with a reversal of the trend. Analysts anticipate growth of 3.1% for iPhones from one year to the next, while that for Android would only be 1.7%.
Generative AI, a “game changer”?
Very rich, this IDC report also addresses the question of the impact of generative AI on smartphone sales. Experts therefore expect that models that benefit from these innovations will account for 70% of the market by 2028.
But it won’t happen alone, as Nabila Popal, senior research director of IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, explains:
While we continue to believe that GenAI will revolutionize the user experience in the years to come, additional investments are needed to increase consumer awareness and introduce a “must have” feature that will drive them to the store and create that super cycle that everyone is waiting.
What to remember:
- The smartphone market is thriving this year
- Apple sees limited growth in the face of Android devices
- iPhones expected to overtake their rivals in 2025
