Mobile Networks: Subscriptions, by year
YearSubscriptions,
in millions
20287,743.60
20277,525.72
20267,322.34
20257,157.59
20246,935.62
20236,718.65
20226,421.78
20216,165.06
20205,757.73
20195,435.75
20184,906.90
20174,303.13
20163,574.56
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2016 to 2022
  • Published: Jun 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Overall Growth in Smartphone Subscriptions

Smartphone subscriptions have witnessed a significant increase from 3,574.56 million in 2016 to an estimated 7,743.60 million by 2028, more than doubling over the 12-year period.

Annual Growth Rate Fluctuations

The growth rate varies annually, with a notable uptick in subscriptions from 2016 to 2017 by approximately 20.37%, and a forecasted steadier increase between 2027 and 2028 at around 2.89%.

Acceleration in Subscription Numbers

The absolute increase in subscriptions shows acceleration at certain points, with a jump of 603.22 million from 2020 to 2021, compared to the earlier increase of 728.57 million between 2021 and 2022.

Deceleration in Forecasted Growth

Despite the overall growth, the pace is expected to slow down, with the annual addition of subscriptions decreasing from a high of 728.57 million between 2021 and 2022 to a lower increase of 217.88 million forecasted between 2027 and 2028.

Most Significant Growth Period

The period between 2020 and 2021 stands out with the highest year-on-year increase in smartphone subscriptions, amounting to 407.33 million, indicating a rapid expansion phase during these years.

Steady Increase in Yearly Additions

Yearly additions to smartphone subscriptions have shown a generally increasing trend, with numbers gradually rising from 2016 through to the forecast for 2028, highlighting the continuous demand for smartphones globally.

Projection of Future Growth

Forecasts indicate a consistent yet slowing growth in smartphone subscriptions, moving from an increase of 296.87 million between 2023 and 2024 to a more modest growth of 217.88 million from 2027 to 2028.

Decade of Doubling

The data illustrates a doubling of smartphone subscriptions within approximately a decade, from 3,574.56 million in 2016 to over 7,157.59 million by 2025, showcasing the rapid adoption and penetration of smartphones worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the highest year-on-year increase in smartphone subscriptions?

The highest year-on-year increase occurred between 2020 and 2021, with an addition of 407.33 million smartphone subscriptions.

What is the projection of future growth in smartphone subscriptions?

Forecasts suggest a consistent but slowing growth in smartphone subscriptions, decreasing from an increase of 296.87 million between 2023 and 2024 to a lower growth of 217.88 million from 2027 to 2028.

Terms and Definitions

A smartphone is a mobile device that combines cellular and mobile computing functions into one unit. They are equipped with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone. Generally, smartphones are built with features such as a high-resolution touchscreens, web browsing, Wi-Fi, third-party apps, and mobile payment systems.

In terms of smartphone usage, a subscription refers to the signed agreement or contract between a service provider and a user, which allows the user access to a network of services provided by the carrier. This typically includes call time, text messages, and data allocation.

A smartphone subscription is a type of mobile subscription specifically for the use of smartphone devices. These subscriptions usually include a package of services such as voice calls, text messages and, data usage that allows smart devices to access the internet, make phone calls, send and receive texts, use applications, and more.

The growth rate indicates the speed at which a certain thing grows. In terms of smartphone subscriptions, it refers to the rate at which the number of subscriptions has increased or is projected to increase over a certain period.

Market penetration refers to the number of potential customers that have purchased or are currently using a particular product or service. In the context of smartphone subscriptions, it can mean the number of people in the global population who have subscribed to smartphone services.

Subscription renewal is the process of renewing a subscription after its term has ended. This can be done manually or automatically depending on the terms of the agreement with the service provider.

A new subscription refers to a subscription that a customer has just started, as distinct from a renewal of a previous subscription. Depending on the terms of the service provider, a new subscription may come with certain promotions or discounts.
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