Apple’s iPhone Helps 5G Smartphone Sales Surpass 4G for the First Time: Report

In a new research report, Counterpoint Research analyzes 5G penetration data across the globe, noting that three regions were largely responsible for the uptick in 5G’s market share: China, North America, and Western Europe.

According to the report, 51% of smartphones sold in January were 5G-compatible. However, in China, North America and Western Europe, 5G phones sales accounted for a far larger share than seen worldwide. In China, sales of 5G phones accounted for 84% of all 4G or 5G phones sold in January. Meanwhile, 5G phone sales in North America and Western Europe reached 73% and 76%, respectively.

As Bloomberg reports, Apple’s iPhone accounted for 37% of 5G phones sold worldwide in January. Samsung released its first, the Galaxy S10 5G, in 2019 – but only accounted for 12% of 5G handset sales in January due to its lack of popularity in China.

Apple’s share of the 5G market is likely to further increase now, thanks to the launch of the latest iPhone SE model, with 5G capabilities. With a starting price of $579 CAD, the model will bring 5G support to a far wider range of consumers.