Smartphone Users Worldwide Will Total 1.75 Billion in 2014

Mobile Users Embrace Smartphones as Prices Drop and Networks Expand

Global mobile phone adoption is steadily rising, with 4.55 billion people expected to use a mobile device in 2014, according to eMarketer’s report, “Worldwide Mobile Phone Users: H1 2014 Forecast and Comparative Estimates.” While the rate of growth is slowing, developing regions such as Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa will continue to drive increases in adoption. Mobile phone penetration is projected to rise from 61.1% of the global population in 2013 to 69.4% by 2017.

Smartphone Adoption Accelerates

The global smartphone audience, which surpassed 1 billion users in 2012, is expected to reach 1.75 billion in 2014. Smartphone adoption is skyrocketing, and by the end of the forecast period 2017, nearly half of all mobile phone users worldwide will own a smartphone. In 2014 alone, almost one-quarter of the global population, almost two-fifths of all mobile phone users, will use smartphones at least monthly.

Key drivers of this growth include declining smartphone prices and advancements in 3G and 4G networks. In 2014, smartphone users will account for the most mobile phone users in 16 of the 22 countries included in eMarketer’s forecast, up from 10 countries in the previous year.

Regional Trends and Challenges

• High Adoption in Developed Markets:
  Mobile phone usage is nearly universal in Western Europe, North America, and Central and Eastern Europe.
• Growth in Emerging Markets:
  Adoption is slower in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, particularly in low-income countries with widespread rural populations and challenging terrains.
• Rising Internet Access via Mobile:
  More than 2.23 billion people, 48.9% of mobile phone users, will access the internet via mobile devices at least monthly in 2014. By 2015, over half of all mobile users will go online through their phones. The expansion of mobile data networks, especially in rural areas of emerging markets, and the availability of internet-enabled smartphones and feature phones are fueling this growth. Mobile internet users are expected to increase by 16.5% in 2014, with double-digit growth continuing through 2016.

Methodology and Forecasting Framework

eMarketer’s forecasts are based on a comprehensive, multipronged approach incorporating global and local economic, technological, and demographic trends. The analysis includes data from research firms, government agencies, media outlets, and company reports, weighted for reliability and methodology.

Each forecast aligns with eMarketer’s broader matrix of projections, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different areas. Regular updates to assumptions and frameworks allow forecasts to reflect new developments and market dynamics.

Outlook for Mobile Growth

The continued expansion of affordable smartphones and advanced mobile networks will drive the global shift toward smartphones and mobile internet access. While developed markets are nearing saturation, emerging regions with rising middle classes and improved infrastructure present significant opportunities for future growth in mobile adoption and connectivity.