India has recently leapfrogged the United States to become the world’s second-largest market for 5G handsets, just behind China. This development, highlighted by Counterpoint Research, marks a notable shift in the global tech landscape. The first half of 2024 saw a 20 percent rise in global 5G handset shipments, reflecting a broader trend in the telecom sector.
Apple has emerged as the clear leader in this growing field, commanding over 25 percent of the market with its iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 series. The company's strong position is evident, with Apple capturing the top four spots in the list of best-selling 5G models for the first half of 2024. Samsung is also a significant player, holding more than 21 percent of the market share thanks to its popular Galaxy A and S24 series.
🚨 India overtakes US as second-largest Global 5G smartphone market.— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) September 6, 2024
A key factor in the surge of 5G handset shipments is the increasing availability of budget-friendly devices. This trend has been particularly impactful in emerging markets, where people are upgrading to 5G phones even at lower price points. As a result, the Asia-Pacific region now represents 63 percent of the global net additions in 5G handsets and holds a substantial 58 percent share of 5G shipments.
But it's not just emerging markets that are driving this growth. Regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are also seeing significant increases in 5G handset shipments, with double-digit growth in these areas. This uptick reflects the expanding 5G network infrastructure and the availability of more affordable devices.
India’s ascent to the position of the second-largest 5G handset market highlights the rapid advancement and growing accessibility of 5G technology worldwide. With major brands like Apple and Samsung leading the way and emerging markets showing strong uptake, the future of 5G appears bright and poised for further growth.
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