14 DAY TRIAL // New research shared by Counterpoint Research reveals that the global 5G smartphone sales penetration surpassed 4G for the first time in history in the first month of this year.
It reached 51 percent, with China, North America, and Western Europe representing the regions that made this possible.
China, however, continues to lead the 5G penetration, Counterpoint says, with the country accounting for no less than 84 percent of the total figures in January.
Apple is the king in North America
Just as expected, one of the companies that helped drive the growth of 5G is none other than Apple.
Counterpoint says Apple’s sales in North America and Western Europe helped increase the adoption of 5G, especially as the company’s new models all support this technology.
“The 5G smartphone penetration for North America and Western Europe reached 73% and 76% respectively. Apple dominates North America and Western Europe with a sales share of over 50% and 30% respectively. After Apple shifted to 5G in October 2020 with the iPhone 12 Series, North America and Western Europe saw a natural increase in the sales penetration of 5G smartphones,” the research reveals.
“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. 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.”
Apple’s domination worldwide should increase even more, as the company has recently upgraded its cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, with 5G support as well. The device goes on sale this month in the largest markets across the world.