Market share of 5G smartphone shipment in Australia has increased from 14 percent in 2020Q1 to over 55 percent share in 2021Q1, IDC report said.
The release of Apple iPhone 12 series in 2020Q4, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 series in 2021Q1 drove this growth in share.
The increased range of 5G smartphones in recent quarters, including low-cost options from a variety of Android brands, has broadened the number of consumers willing to pick up a 5G device. The number of 5G-ready devices offered in Australia has grown from nine models in 2020Q1 to 36 models in 2021Q1.
“However, it should be noted that these devices may not necessarily be connected to a 5G service yet, as rollout of Australia’s 5G mobile network coverage continues,” John Riga, Associate Market Analyst at IDC Australia, said.
Optus, Telstra and Vodafone are the leading 5G network operators in Australia. Australia completed its auction of spectrum in the 26 GHz band in April selling 358 lots. Telstra bought the highest number of lots (150), followed by Optus (116) and TPG Telecom’s subsidiary Mobile (86).
Australia’s smartphone market grew at 13.5 percent in 2021Q1 and 8.8 percent in 2020Q4; indicating a rebound from the declines seen in the earlier quarters of 2020.
IDC expects the trend of growth in 5G smartphone market share to continue in coming quarters, as 5G network coverage on all three major mobile network operators in Australia continues to expand, along with an increasing number of brands offering 5G devices.
“We expect iOS to lead in 5G share in coming years, as some lower-priced 4G offerings will continue to be present on Android,” John Riga said.
