Gartner estimates global device install base to grow in 2021

Apr 2, 2021 12:10 GMT  ·  By

The global health issue that hit us in 2020 completely changed the way we work, communicate, and use other devices, and this indirectly impacted most industries out there.

The tech world, for example, has recorded a massive boom in terms of new device sales, especially as many people started working remotely for obvious reasons.

And Gartner says this trend wouldn’t stop here, with 2021 likely to bring 125 million more laptops and tablets in use all over the world versus the previous year.

And the number of devices currently being in use will just continue to grow in the coming years, with 2022 to also record a substantial increase.

Surprisingly, PCs are the ones taking a hit, but on the other hand, mobile devices are getting a boost.

“In 2022, global devices installed base is on pace to reach 6.4 billion units, up 3.2% from 2021 (see Figure 1). While the shift to remote work exacerbated the decline of desktop PCs, it boosted the use of tablets and laptops. In 2021, the number of laptops and tablets in use will increase 8.8% and 11.7%, respectively, while the number of deskbased PCs in use is expected to decline from 522 million in use in 2020 to a forecasted 470 million in use in 2022,” Gartner says.

Smartphones returning to growth

Smartphones are expected to record a 1 percent increase this year, and the research firm says it’s all thanks to the lower price points of 5G devices.

“With more variety and choice, and lower-priced 5G smartphones to choose from, consumers have begun to either upgrade their smartphones or upgrade from feature phones,” Atwal added. “The smartphone is also a key tool that people use to communicate and share moments during social distancing and social isolation.”

4G and 5G laptops are also likely to grow this year, particularly thanks to improving demand due to the remote working trends.