(Finance) – In 2023 shipments will decrease by 6% to 1.15 billion units, the lowest figure in the last decade. These are the forecasts contained in the last one “Global Smartphone Shipment Forecast” posted today by Counterpoint Technology Market Research. Asia is one of the main obstacles to positive growth, the report notes, as headwinds halt China’s expected economic turnaround earlier this year, and overall, the region experiences a growing decline in emerging markets.
Furthermore, North America continues to be a major drag on the global recovery, with a disappointing first half setting it up for double-digit full-year declines. Despite the strength of the labor market and declining inflation, consumers are hesitant to update their devicespushing replacement rates in the US and around the world to record highs.
“There has been a mismatch between what is happening in the economy and consumers buying phones. There have been minimal updates for all carriers so far this year,” he says. Jeff Fieldhack, director of research for North America –. But we’re looking at the fourth quarter with interest because the iPhone 15 launch it’s a window for carriers to steal high-value customers. And with that large installed base of iPhone 12s up for grabs, the promotions will be aggressive, leaving Apple in a good position.
In China, “Apple is well positioned as the premium segment continues to gain more share,” he says Ethan Qi, associate director for China. Premium and ultra-premium growth is a trend that is happening globally and favors vendors like Apple that have heavily weighted portfolios in the higher segments.
2023 could herald a new era for Apple as a resilient premium market and a strong presence in the US could help it become number one globally in terms of annual shipments for the first time ever.