Mobile World Live reports that there were a record 700 million smartphone shipments in 2012. While shipments in 2012 were 43 percent up on the 490.5 million shipped in 2011, the growth was below the 64 percent increase seen in the previous year.

Does this mean that smartphone adoption growth has reached its peak? One analyst actually attributes the lower percentage of growth to increased mobile phone adoption.

Strategy Analytics senior analyst Neil Shah attributed the slowing growth to maturing penetration of smartphones in developed markets such as Western Europe and North America.

Other highlights from the report are:

Samsung was again the overall mobile phone market leader with 396.5 million units and a 25 percent market share in 2012.

Apple increased shipments by 46 percent to a record 135.8 million units, gaining the same 19 percent marketshare as 2011.

Overall mobile smartphone shipments grew just 2 percent in 2012 to hit 1.6 billion units (an all-time high).

The increased market penetration of smartphones is further evidence that federal agencies need to consider  how to implement mobile solutions for customers and the public.

(+1 rating, 1 votes)

 Loading ...