DIGITIMES Research, by synthesizing supply chain information, regional market conditions, and analyzing global political and economic trends, forecasts that global smartphone shipments will reach 1,181.4 million units in 2024, marking a growth of 4.9%.
Looking ahead over the next five years, there is an anticipated demand for feature phone users in regions such as India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa to upgrade to smartphones, while the ongoing deployment and expansion of 5G networks in these markets are expected to further drive their smartphone shipments. DIGITIMES Research estimates that the global annual shipment growth rate will range between 3% and 4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%.
With the period of high inflation and US dollar appreciation having passed and purchasing power across different regions gradually recovering, it is projected that the global smartphone market will continue to ramp up in 2025, following the same trend in 2024, with an estimated growth rate of 3.6%. Shipments are expected to reach 1,223.9 million units.
Table 1: Key factors affecting 2025-2029 worldwide smartphone shipments
Chart 2: Shipment to China and non-China markets, 2023-2025 (m units)
Chart 3: Top-9 smartphone vendors' shipments, 2024-2025 (m units)
Chart 4: Shipments by 5G and non-5G smartphones, 2024-2029 (m units)
Chart 5: China and non-China markets 5G smartphone shipments, 2023-2025 (m units)
Chart 6: Shipments by foldable display feature, 2024-2029 (m units)
Chart 7: Foldable smartphone Y/Y shipment growth, 2021-2025 (m units)
Table 2: Penetration of generative AI functions in high-end to midrange smartphones
Table 3: Transition of consumers' habits on using smartphones and apps
Table 4: AI agent's crucial role in smartphone industry in next 5 years
