Worldwide combined shipments of devices (PCs,
tablets, ultramobiles and mobile phones) are estimated to reach 2.5 billion
units in 2015, an increase of 2.8 percent over 2014, according to Gartner. In
spending terms, the global computing devices market (PCs and ultramobiles) is
on pace to reach $226 billion, a 7.2 percent decline in current U.S. dollars.
Stripping out the impact of exchange-rate movements
(constant U.S. dollars), the global computing devices spending will decrease
3.1 percent in 2015. The global PC market is on pace to total 306 million units
in 2015, a 2.4 percent decrease over 2014.
"The fall in PC purchases is primarily due to
expected price increases by vendors in Europe and other regions, which is
forced by local currency depreciation against the dollar," said Ranjit
Atwal, research director at Gartner. "The currency squeeze is forcing PC
vendors to increase their prices in order to remain profitable and, as result,
it is suppressing purchases. We expect businesses will delay purchases of new
PCs, and consumers will delay or 'de-feature' their purchases. However, this
reduction in purchasing is not a downturn, it is a reshaping of the market
driven by currency."
The mobile phone market, the largest and most
profitable segment of the global device market, is expected to total 1.9
billion units and grow 3.5 percent in 2015. The presence of cheaper smartphones
will continue to appeal to consumers, and counter the need to increase prices.
Mobile phone pricing has been increasing over the last few years driven by a
rising premium-phone average selling price, but now will remain flat or
slightly down as the smartphone market reaches saturation over the next few
years.
"Consumers will continue to prioritize spending
on phones over PCs and tablets in 2015," said Roberta Cozza, research
director at Gartner.
Comments
Post a Comment