According to a report on the global information electronic device market published by Gartner, the current global shipments, including PCs, tablet terminals, and mobile phones, are expected to remain flat since the previous year.。
PCs have been stagnant for eight consecutive years.This year's PC shipment is 0 from the previous year.The company believes that only 258 million units decrease by 6 %.One of the reasons is that the replacement of personal computers is not progressing among consumers.
A new smartphone replacement cycle, and the prospect that will extend further
In addition, the number of mobile phones including smartphones this year is 0 year -on -year..It is expected to be about 1,824 million units, down 5 %.However, next year, the same 1.It is expected to increase to an increase of 1,825 million units to 2 %.
However, recently, the cycle for consumers to replace mobile phones has become longer.Currently 2.The replacement time of the new model that has been 6 years is 2 in the next few years..The company sees it for eight years.
According to Gartner, recent consumers are looking for new technologies and usage for new smartphones."If there are no such elements in the new models that major companies will launch in the future, consumers will hesitate to buy a new one."
Folding smartphone aimed at demanding demand
Under such circumstances, major companies are aiming to stimulate demand on a new form of smartphones.It is a foldable smartphone.
Samsung Electronics, Korea, announced the company's folding smartphone "Galaxy Fold" in February this year.This terminal can be used like a conventional smartphone in a folded state, and it can be used like a tablet device when spread.
In February, China Huawei (Hua Technology) also announced a folding smartphone called "Mate X".The two companies want to launch new models soon.
However, Huawei will not be able to install popular U.S. Google apps such as "Google Play", "Chrome", "Gmail", and "YouTube", and is likely to be hit in major markets other than China, including Europe.
Gartner says, "Folding smartphones may have innovation again," but predicted that the ratio of the smartphone market is very small.
The number of shipments is over 30 million units as of 2023, and only 5 % of the shipments of high -priced smartphones are only 5 %.
In other words, folding smartphones are not "niche products" instead of catalyst for the lively market.Gartner predicts that "at least five years will continue to be a niche."
The price range of 200,000 to 300,000 yen is a barrier
One of the factors is the price.Samsung's "Galaxy Fold" is the cheapest model of $ 1980 (about 220,000 yen), and Huawei's "Mate X" is 2299 euros (about $ 2600, about 290,000 yen).
These are more expensive than general smartphones and tablets as a result of the latest technology.Gartner says, "The price is too large."The price of folding terminals is expected to fall in the future.However, the company pointed out that the terminal of this form still became a barrier.
