Smartphone market grows more slowly
The smartphone markets in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia are saturated. This is holding back growth. The situation isn't any better in the other markets. Purchasing power is too low.
The days of double-digit growth on the smartphone market are over, according to Gartner. This year, sales are only expected to increase by seven percent to 1.5 billion devices sold. According to the market researcher, growth in 2015 was still over 14%, with growth peaking at over 70% in 2010.
One reason for the stagnating growth is the approximately 90% market penetration in saturated markets, as Gartner writes. These are North America, Western Europe, Japan and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
India as a beacon of hope
On the other hand, lower purchasing power is hampering growth in the emerging markets. However, as Gartner writes, sales prices are gradually falling - especially for simpler smartphone models. The emerging markets would therefore hold great potential for growth.
In India, for example, Gartner expects sales to rise by almost 30 percent this year to 139 million devices sold. (Web Week)
