IDC: iPhone shipments to grow at more than twice the rate of Android devices in 2021

According to the latest forecast report released by market research firm IDC, the annual growth rate of Apple iPhone shipments will be more than twice that of Android. IDC estimates that global smartphone shipments will reach 1.37 billion units in 2021, with an annual growth rate of 7.4%. The annual growth rate of iOS devices is 13.8%, while the annual growth rate of Android devices is 6.2%.

IDC research report shows that the COVID-19 epidemic will still affect the growth of smartphone shipments in major markets including the United States, China, and Western Europe. However, strong growth in India, Japan, the Middle East, and Africa has driven the recovery of the smartphone industry.

Looking ahead, IDC expects 5G shipments to be the main driver of industry growth in 2021. This is because smartphone manufacturers and retail channels are focusing on 5G devices, which have average selling prices (ASPs) that are much higher than their 4G LTE counterparts.

5G smartphones are expected to account for more than half of all smartphone shipments by the end of 2022. In terms of growth, IDC also expects the smartphone industry to grow by 3.4% in 2022 and 2023.

"Despite ongoing issues surrounding the pandemic and the Delta variant, consumers are continuing to upgrade to higher-end smartphones this year," said Anthony Scarsella, research director at IDC. "Premium smartphones (priced over $1,000) continued to grow in the second quarter, with the segment growing 116% over last year. Additionally, ASPs for the entire market climbed 9% as buyers preferred 5G models, which are more expensive than entry-level devices."