IDC: Worldwide smartphone growth to slow to single digits by 2017

Worldwide smartphone shipments will slow to 8.3 per cent annual growth in 2017 and 6.2 per cent in 2018, according to latest figures from IDC. This contrasts with 39.2 per cent growth from 2012 to 2013, when smartphone units surpassed 1 billion for the first time. Despite the high growth expected in many emerging markets, 2014 will mark the year smartphone growth drops more significantly than ever before, the research company said. Volumes in 2014 are expected to be 1.2 billion, up from 1 billion in 2013, representing 19.3 per cent year-on-year growth. As mature markets become saturated and worldwide growth slows, service providers and device manufacturers are seeking opportunities to move hardware wherever they can. The result is rapidly declining price points, creating challenging environments in which to turn a profit. The worldwide smartphone average selling price (ASP) was $335 in 2013, and is expected to drop to $260 by 2018. Report