Global smartphone shipments to decline 6% to 1.15bn in 2023

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Devices & Platforms; 17 August 2023; 4385 views

Global smartphone shipments decline 6% to 1.15bn in 2023

Global smartphone shipments are predicted to dip 6% to 1.15 billion units by the end of 2023, the lowest in a decade as economies continue to see macroeconomic headwinds cut consumer spending.

Counterpoint Research stated in its preliminary results Asia is one of the major hurdles to positive growth. China was predicted to see an economic turnaround at the beginning of this year but this did not come to fruition. Emerging markets in Asia have seen “intensifying declines”.

North America was highlighted as a “major drag” on global shipment recovery as H1 saw double-digit full-year declines, despite strength in the jobs market and lowering inflation. They did not increase consumer confidence to upgrade their handsets.

“There’s been a decoupling between what’s happening in the economy and consumers buying phones. So far this year it’s been record-low upgrades across all carriers,” said Counterpoint North America research director Jeff Fieldhack.

“But we’re watching Q4 with interest because the iPhone 15 launch is a window for carriers to steal high-value customers. And with that big iPhone 12 installed base up for grabs promos are going to be aggressive, leaving Apple in a good spot.”