Table of Contents
Introduction
According to Mobile Internet Usage Statistics, Mobile internet usage refers to accessing the internet through mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other portable gadgets equipped with wireless connectivity capabilities. It has become an integral part of modern life, shaping how people communicate, access information, shop, entertain themselves, and conduct various online activities.
Mobile internet usage has revolutionized how individuals access information, communicate, shop, and engage with online content. Its widespread adoption has led to significant changes in various industries and has become an integral part of daily life for people worldwide.
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- In 2022, the number of unique mobile internet users reached 5 billion, suggesting that more than 60% of the worldwide internet population accesses the internet via a mobile device.
- As of 2023, the global population stood at 8.01 billion, with smartphone users continuing to grow, reaching 6.92 billion.
- In July 2022, Android commanded the majority mobile operating system share at 71.85%, followed by iOS at 27.5%.
- By the conclusion of 2022, worldwide mobile data traffic, excluding traffic originating from Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), had reached 93 exabytes (EB) every month.
- Projections indicate that this volume is anticipated to expand significantly, growing by a factor of 3.5, and is projected to achieve 329 EB per month by 2028.
- With an impressive 672 million downloads, TikTok is one of the most downloaded apps.
- Standalone 5G Network Market is anticipated to create a lucrative growth opportunity in the global landscape by registering a CAGR of 54.3%
- The global landscape of 5G mobile connectivity is marked by varying degrees of adoption across different countries, reflecting the rapid evolution of telecommunications technology. Leading the charge is China, boasting an impressive 866 million 5G mobile connections, which constitute 51% of its total mobile connections.
Global Mobile Internet Penetration
- In 2022, the number of unique mobile internet users reached 5 billion, suggesting that more than 60% of the worldwide internet population accesses the internet via a mobile device.
- During the second quarter of 2022, global consumers spent more than half of their internet time on mobile phones.
- In 2023, there was a slight dip, with mobile phones generating 56.86% of internet traffic. These variations demonstrate the evolving role of mobile phones in internet usage and their impact on overall online activity.
Mobile Devices and Platforms
Smartphone Ownership and Usage
- From 2018 to 2023, the global landscape witnessed a progressive rise in population numbers and smartphone usage.
- In 2018, the global population stood at approximately 7.63 billion, while smartphone users amounted to 5.09 billion.
- As of 2023, the global population stood at 8.01 billion, with smartphone users continuing to grow, reaching 6.92 billion.
- The smartphone industry continues to offer substantial room for expansion, as the prevalence of smartphones remains below 70% in numerous densely populated markets, notably in China and India.
- In 2021, the worldwide revenue generated by smartphones amounted to 481 billion U.S. dollars; however, it was projected to experience a decline to 463 billion dollars in 2022.
Mobile Operating Systems Market Share
- As of 2022 and 2023, the distribution of mobile operating systems reveals distinct patterns. In July 2022, Android commanded the majority share at 71.85%, followed by iOS at 27.5%.
- These trends continued into 2023. In January, Android had 71.77%, iOS stood at 27.6%, and Samsung reached 0.34%. Android decreased to 68.61% in April, and iOS rose to 30.61%. Samsung reached 0.42%, while the unidentified category and KaiOS grew to 0.17% and 0.12%.
- Android increased to 70.87% in July, and iOS was at 28.39%. Samsung, unidentified, and KaiOS each held 0.38%, 0.15%, and 0.15%, while Windows and Nokia maintained their shares of 0.02% and 0.01%.
Tablet and Other Mobile Device Usage
- The global tablet user base surpasses 1.28 billion individuals, with Apple iPads reigning as the dominant choice globally.
- Projections indicate that tablet shipments are set to achieve 156 million units by 2025.
- The global tablet market exhibited remarkable growth, surging from $71.58 billion in 2021 to an impressive $84.84 billion in 2022.
- Generation X and Millennials have emerged as the predominant users of tablet devices. Approximately 22-23% of tablet users leverage these devices to watch movies and videos and send emails.
Mobile Internet Traffic and Data Consumption
Mobile Data Traffic Growth
- Over the last seven years, internet traffic from mobile devices has exhibited notable fluctuations.
- Starting at 50.03% in Q1 2017, it saw a substantial increase of 26.75% in the subsequent year.
- The most recent data point, Q1 2023, continued this pattern, with the share expanding to 60.89%, reflecting a 1.23% increase.
Per-smartphone mobile data usage
- Over the projected timeframe from 2022 to 2028, diverse regions worldwide are anticipated to experience varying growth trajectories regarding their per-smartphone mobile data usage, as indicated by their respective compound annual growth rates (CAGR). In Latin America, there is a substantial expected expansion, with the usage predicted to surge from 11 to 41, reflecting a notable CAGR of 25%.
- Similarly, North America is poised for significant advancement, with its usage set to elevate from 20 to 58, translating to a CAGR of 20%.
- Western Europe follows suit with projected growth from 20 to 56, at a CAGR of 19%, while Central and Eastern Europe are expected to progress from 14 to 37, representing an 18% CAGR.
- North-East Asia and South East Asia & Oceania exhibit parallel growth patterns, each anticipated to grow from 18 to 54, resulting in a CAGR of 20% and 24%, respectively.
- Considering the global perspective, the overall per-smartphone mobile data usage is forecasted to grow from 16 to 47, reflecting a CAGR of 20% across the covered period.
Mobile Apps and Usage Patterns
Most Downloaded Mobile Apps
- The popularity of various mobile applications is evident from their download figures, measured in millions (mm). Leading the pack is TikTok, with an impressive 672 million downloads, making it one of the most downloaded apps.
- Not far behind is Instagram, boasting 548 million downloads, while Facebook follows closely with 449 million.
- WhatsApp also commands a significant user base, with 424 million downloads.
- Gaming apps also make their mark, with Subway Surfers racing to 304 million downloads and Stumble Guys stumbling upon 254 million.
- The musical realm is represented by Spotify, with 238 million downloads, showcasing the broad spectrum of user interests and preferences within the app landscape.
E-commerce and Mobile Shopping
- The adoption of e-commerce among online populations varies across different countries, revealing intriguing insights into consumer behavior. Leading the charge is Indonesia, where 79.10% of the online population engages in e-commerce activities.
- Thailand closely follows with 74.20%, while the Philippines showcases a substantial 69.60% e-commerce adoption rate.
- Malaysia is 68.40%, while Saudi Arabia exhibits a robust 65.10%.
- In China, renowned for technological advancements, 64.30% of the online population participates in e-commerce.
Country-wise Mobile Internet Usage
China
- China is a global frontrunner in smartphone adoption and mobile connectivity, boasting an impressive user base. By June 2022, approximately 1.05 billion individuals had embraced mobile internet services in the country, constituting 73% of its population.
- Despite a decade of robust growth in the mobile economy, China’s expansion of mobile internet users has tapered off in recent years. In parallel, the maturity of the 4G mobile network has prompted China to intensify its shift toward 5G integration.
- Remarkably, over 350 Chinese cities have already implemented 5G availability, leaving the United States considerably behind.
- The swift transition to 5G is equally evident on the user side, with the tally of 5G end users surpassing 450 million by the close of 2021.
- By 2025, 5G is projected to encompass 47% of total connections, accommodating a staggering 1.28 billion users.
Japan
- In 2022, Japan had an estimated count of around 116.4 million individuals using mobile internet services.
- This number was anticipated to culminate in 2024 before experiencing a decline, settling at roughly 116 million by 2027.
- Concurrently, the overall populace of Japan was projected to diminish from approximately 125.2 million in 2022 to approximately 122.1 million by 2027.
- Remarkably, the number of mobile connections in the country equated to 161% of the population as of January 2022.
- During the transition from 2021 to 2022, the count of mobile connections in Japan registered a growth of 5.3 million, signifying a notable increase of 2.7%.
India
- The number of mobile internet users has substantially evolved over the years in India. In 2010, 177.53 million users were engaging with mobile internet services.
- By 2015, this number had surged significantly to 694.77 million, reflecting considerable growth.
- As of 2020, the count escalated to 1,055.39 million, underlining the remarkable expansion of mobile internet adoption.
- Looking ahead, projections indicate a gradual increase in the years to come. By 2025, the number of mobile internet users is anticipated to be 1,062.01 million, with a further uptick to 1,100.95 million by 2030.
- The trajectory continues upward, with estimations of 1,138.69 million users in 2035, 1,169.59 million in 2040, and 1,196.21 million in 2045.
- As the timeline extends to 2050, the projected mobile internet users will reach 1,214.28 million.
United Kingdom
- In 2022, the United Kingdom stood out among nations with its substantial mobile internet penetration, surpassing countries like the United States, Germany, and South Korea.
- Within the same year, the United Kingdom boasted a population of over 63.2 million mobile internet users, constituting a remarkable share of about 93% of the nation’s total populace.
- It is anticipated that the proportion of 5G mobile connections in the UK will witness growth, reaching almost 60% by 2025.
United States
- The trend observed in the distribution of internet usage between mobile devices and desktops in the United States over the past ten years follows an upward trajectory. The proportion of web traffic originating from mobile devices has experienced a significant upsurge.
- As of May 2023, the current scenario depicts that 67.81% of total web visits stem from mobile devices, while desktops account for 32.19%. However, over the recent years, there has been an exchange of positions between mobile and desktops, without a clear preference emerging as the primary browsing tool thus far.
- Among mobile internet browsers, Apple’s Safari has emerged as the preferred option for most mobile internet users in the US.
- Recent data indicates that 57.01% of all US mobile users opt for Safari to navigate the internet, with Google Chrome securing the second position at 36.78%.
Future Trends in Mobile Internet Usage
5G Network Adoption and Impact
- The global landscape of 5G mobile connectivity is marked by varying degrees of adoption across different countries, reflecting the rapid evolution of telecommunications technology. Leading the charge is China, boasting an impressive 866 million 5G mobile connections, which constitute 51% of its total mobile connections.
- The United States follows suit with 247 million 5G mobile connections, representing 68% of its mobile connections.
- Japan and Germany showcase parallel trends, with both countries having 138 million 5G mobile connections, and 68% of their respective mobile connections attributed to this advanced technology.
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