IDC: Smartphone Market to Return to Growth in 2020

Global shipments are expected to dip 2.2% this year.

It’s been a rough few years for the global smartphone industry, which has seen unit volumes plateau as the market matures and upgrade cycles continue getting longer. The slowdown has hit premium devices the hardest, which is partially why Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has been so laser focused on growing its services business in recent years. The Cupertino tech giant is reportedly planning to launch an affordable mid-range iPhone early next year, which could help spur sales.

Market researcher IDC has released new estimates on what to expect for the smartphone market.

Android dominance ticks even higher

Total smartphone shipments are expected to decline 2.2% this year to approximately 1.37 billion before increasing a modest 1.6% in 2020. Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) subsidiary Google is expected to grow Android’s worldwide market share to 87% this year, up from 85% in 2018, thanks in part to 5G adoption. That will put Apple’s iOS market share at 13%.

“Consumers continue to hold their devices for lengthier times making sales difficult for the vendors and channels alike,” IDC research analyst Sangeetika Srivastava said in a statement. “However, expectations of aggressive promotions and offers in the second half of 2019 aimed at helping to clear out any channel inventory and get consumers excited about the next wave of smartphone technology should steer the market back toward renewed growth.”

The average upgrade cycle in the U.S. is now 33 months, according to separate estimates from Strategy Analytics released last month.

Optimism around 5G is also helping to mitigate macroeconomic fears around escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. 5G shipments are expected to take off in 2020 and reach 123.5 million — 9% of smartphones shipped next year. That proportion should proceed to climb to 28% of smartphones by 2023, according to IDC’s forecast.

“The anticipation of 5G, beginning with smartphones, has been building for quite some time but the challenges within the smartphone market over the past three years have magnified that anticipation,” IDC’s Ryan Reith added. The 5G ramp won’t be as sharp as 4G since the market has changed dramatically, according to Reith.

Apple is widely expected to introduce a 5G iPhone in 2020 following its settlement with Qualcomm earlier this year that secured 5G modem supply. IDC expects Apple’s iPhone volumes in 2019 to fall 15% to 177.9 million, since the Mac maker is going to be later than rivals in adding 5G technology, but IDC notes that the company will be able to get a better understanding of 5G market conditions for when it does launch its 5G handsets.

Apple is hosting its annual iPhone event tomorrow, at which the company is expected to unveil three new models for 2019.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Evan Niu, CFA, owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of QCOM and has the following options: short January 2020 $155 calls on Apple and long January 2020 $150 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Tech Stocks

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

Better Buy: Shopify Stock or Constellation Software?

Let's dive into whether Shopify (TSX:SHOP) or Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are the better options for growth investors in this current…

Read more »

nvidia headquarters with nvidia sign in front
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Just Delivered a Beat-and-Raise Quarter. There’s 1 Red Flag Investors Shouldn’t Ignore.

The chipmaker continued to benefit from robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI). But can it last?

Read more »

GettyImages-1473086836
Tech Stocks

Why Super Micro Computer Stock Is Soaring Today

The volatile stock is getting a boost from Nvidia.

Read more »

Snowflake logo in snowflake office on wall_snowflake-1
Tech Stocks

Here’s Why Snowflake Stock Skyrocketed Today

Shares of the data company are up 32% for the day.

Read more »

man touching magnifying glass button on floating search bar internet google search engine
Tech Stocks

Why Alphabet Stock Was Sliding Today

The parent company of Google is facing heat from U.S. regulators.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Tech Stocks

Top Canadian AI Stocks to Watch in 2025

Celestica (TSX:CLS) stock and another Canadian AI stock are worth watching closely this holiday season.

Read more »

Nvidia Voyager Headquarters
Tech Stocks

Why Nvidia Stock Rallied (Again) on Tuesday

The chipmaker is expected to report earnings this evening.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks That Are Screaming Buys in November

The market might be soaring, but there are still lots of deals to be had. Here are three discounted stocks…

Read more »