In 2019, 105.2 million people in the U.S. will use an iPhone, giving Apple a 45.2% share of the US smartphone market. That share will grow 0.1% each year through 2021, according to eMarketer.
“The variety of iPhones available at different price points has contributed to the smartphone’s continued success in the U.S.,” says eMarketer forecasting director Shelleen Shum. “The Apple ecosystem, along with the brand’s reputation for creativity and privacy, is still remarkably effective in maintaining user loyalty and attracting new users.”
Android will continue to dominate the U.S. smartphone market, having overtaken Apple in 2011. This year, Android usage will grow more than 3% to 124.4 million people. Its share of U.S. smartphone users will increase to 53.4% in 2019, and reach 53.8% by 2021. Both Android and Apple continue to steal share from BlackBerry and Windows phones.
“The good news for major players is that smartphones from Chinese manufacturers, like Xiaomi and Huawei, which are often available at lower price points, do not pose an immediate threat in the US due to the lack of availability from local carriers,” Shum says.
eMarketer says total smartphone usage in the U.S. will grow 3% this year to reach 232.8 million people. In 2019, smartphone usage will surpass 70% of the U.S. population.
The research group’s forecasts and estimates are based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from research firms, government agencies, media firms and public companies, plus interviews with top executives at publishers, ad buyers and agencies. Data is weighted based on methodology and soundness.
Each eMarketer forecast fits within the larger matrix of all its forecasts, with the same assumptions and general framework used to project figures in a wide variety of areas. Regular re-evaluation of available data means the forecasts reflect the latest business developments, technology trends and economic changes.
