IDC expects 2017 global smartphone shipments to go up by 3% from last year to 1.517 billion. The company also predicts that the recovery will continue into 2018 with YoY growth of 4.5%. The reasons cited included improved emerging market economies, new iPhone shipments and a large volume of replacements, with users demanding more capable devices. Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be competing with Apple’s iPhones for the high end. Both LG and Samsung have opted for borderless 18:9 displays and the rumour is that Apple also has one in the pipeline. While Android has captured 85% of the market, Apple’s iOS is seeing a recovery, but Microsoft’s Windows phone is showing no such signs, with a lack of enthusiasm from both hardware partners and developers.
Analyst Comment
For more on this topic, see our report from the SID Business Conference, where the IDC analyst, Ryan Reith, spoke. (BC11 Next Generation Flexible, Rollable and Foldable Displays) (BR)
