IDC forecasts smartphone shipment growth in 2019 and through 2022

It seems Apple and its iOS platform may weather the recent stock price storm. (Source: Time)

IDC has published a report with forecast projections for global smartphone shipments in 2018 and 2022. The research company expects a drop of 3% in 2018 followed by a small increase in 2019 that will carry on through to 2022. The total units shipped for 2018 is estimated at 1.42 billion while the 2022 estimate is put at 1.57 billion. Android should maintain a comfortable lead in terms of platform used.

by Daniel R Deakin, 2018/12/12

A report from the market intelligence firm IDC has offered forecast projections of how global smartphone shipments are looking and what the future could hold. The company has stated a 3% decline for 2018, which is partially due to US-China trade issues and a decline in the Chinese market itself. Growth is expected to return in 2019 and through 2022, with IDC estimating a five-year compound annual growth rate of 1.7% (2017-2022).

The outlook for smartphones that don’t run on Android or iOS is not looking bright, though. IDC expects Android to have 86.2% market share by 2022 (up from 85.1% in 2018) while iOS will command 13.8%. This leaves 0.0% for other platforms, although IDC inputs a minimal 2022 shipment volume of 0.1 million for “Others” in its table (see below).

The onset of 5G communications, new form factors (e.g. foldable phones), and handsets with larger screen-to-body ratios are encouraging growth, according to the report. Consumers are expected to spend slightly more on average for Android phones, increasing from US$235 in 2017 to US$258 in 2019. Despite all of Apple’s recent issues in regard to stock price and hardware sales, IDC has forecast that the Cupertino-based company will still be the worldwide leader in the premium market sector.