Unit sales of smart phones are growing faster than the overall market for cell phones, particularly in the US market, says new research from In-Stat.
The survey from the report found that demand in the US grew by a factor of five from the levels found between 2005 and 2007. This demand is primarily driven by greater competition for mobile applications that add capabilities, it concluded.
New and prospective smart phone buyers are drawn to new mobile applications, even though the median number of applications downloaded for all platforms, including the Apple iPhone, is relatively modest – below five applications per user for each platform, the report said.
The research, called ‘Smart phones: Heading to the Mainstream’, says that after a period of slower growth owing to uncertain economic conditions, the smart phone market will grow over 20% annually over the next five years.
It also found that:
– Smart phone security is still inadequate and is likely to be a source of problems for users and their employers, based on In-Stat’s consumer survey results.
– Almost one-third of survey respondents plan to obtain a smart phone the next time they upgrade their current phone.
– Smart phones with Linux OS (including Android) will see the highest growth and the second highest volume behind Symbian. Linux OS will outpace Windows Mobile, RIM and iPhone OSX.
