India overtakes US to become second largest 5G mobile market

India has overtaken the US for the first time to become the world’s second-largest 5G handset market as per reports. According to Counterpoint Research, global 5G handset shipments grew by 20 percent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024. Apple led the 5G handset shipments with over 25 percent share.

Thanks to strong shipments of the iPhone 15 series and 14 series, Apple led the 5G handset shipments globally with over 25 percent share. 5G handset shipments are growing steadily and with the increasing availability of 5G handsets in the budget segment, emerging markets have seen high growth in this segment.

Samsung ranked second, capturing over 21 per cent share on the back of the Galaxy A series and S24 series. Apple and Samsung secured five spots each in the top-10 list for 5G models in the first half of 2024, with Apple holding the top four spots.

Other emerging markets also saw high growth in 5G handsets. Consumers in emerging markets are looking at 5G handsets as an upgrade to their devices, even in the low-price segment.

Asia-Pacific accounted for 63 per cent of total global net additions and captured 58 per cent of 5G shipments. Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions, too, saw double-digit growth in 5G handset shipments.