Over 50% of smartphones sold now run 5G – report

Apple didn’t just get into 5G with iPhone, it got into networking tech

Apple’s push into 5G is driving adoption and deployment. Sales penetration of 5G-capable smartphones reached 51% globally in January 2022, surpassing the penetration of 4G smartphones for the first time, according to Counterpoint Research’s Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker.

Who is climbing aboard the 5G wagon?

China, North America, and Western Europe were the biggest 5G purchasing markets. China now has the highest 5G penetration in the world with 84% in January. This reflects both a push from carriers and the presence of low-cost 5G devices. Apple’s iPhone SE with 5G is also expected to sell strongly in China when it appears.

The 5G smartphone penetration for North America and Western Europe reached 73% and 76% respectively. With a sales share of over 50% and 30% respectively, Apple dominates North America and Western Europe, and the impact of its release of 5G smartphones generated a big increase in adoption, the analysts said.

“These regions are expected to continue contributing substantially to 5G sales globally, as even without offering competitive specs, there is an immense and ongoing demand for a 5G upgrade within the iOS user base,” said Counterpoint.

iPhone hits the mid-market, Android will aim lower

This demand is also fuelled by iPhone users who are ready for new devices after years of holding on to their older iPhones. For many, holding periods are nearing four years, the average replacement cycle for iPhones.

[Also read: What can Apple add to 5G by building its own?]

Android devices with 5G are now available in the iPhone SE price band, with cheaper devices now accounting for one-fifth of 5G sales in January. Cheaper, sub-$150 5G smartphones will boost 5G penetration in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Latin America, Counterpoint said.

The low-end 5G SoC is priced more than $20 at present. Once it comes down to sub-$20, we will start seeing 5G smartphones in the budget segment, according to Counterpoint’s Component Tracker Service.

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