Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Smartphone Market Growth in 2013: Big Things Coming?

When it comes to keeping a beat on the smartphone market, International Data Corporation (IDC) does a great job. This global provider of market intelligence knows a thing or two about this market, as well as many others, while also focusing on major players in the tech industry including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

In a recent report, IDC stated that the smartphone market is expected to grow by 32.7 percent in 2013. This increase will be due in large part to declining prices as well as growth in emerging markets.

For more on this data from the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, here is a brief excerpt explaining where the market is headed:

“Smartphone shipments are expected to grow 32.7% year over year in 2013 reaching 958.8 million units, up from 722.5 million units last year. 2013 will mark the first year that smartphone shipments surpass those of feature phones, with smartphones expected to account for 52.2% of all mobile phone shipments worldwide. This trend will continue for years to come as demand for mobile data and handheld computing spreads across both developed and emerging markets. Emerging markets will account for 64.8% of all smartphones shipped during 2013, which is up from 43.1% in 2010.”

As you can see, IDC is not just predicting a big jump in 2013. This is something they are expecting to see more of for the next few years. This is great news for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), especially if the company decides to release a more affordable smartphone.

With consumers in emerging markets becoming more and more interested in smartphone devices, it would only make sense for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to throw its hat in the ring. However, Cupertino has not talked about this as of yet and right now the only thing we have to go on is rumors.

Ramon Llamas, Research Manager for the IDC Mobile Phone program, had this to say:

“If you look at the number of vendors who support both feature phones and smartphones, many of them have not only successfully transitioned their product portfolios to highlight smartphones, but smartphones have become their primary value proposition going forward.”

All in all, feature phones are on the way out and smartphones are on the way in. If nothing else, this means that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is positioned appropriately. Whether or not the company takes full advantage is another question entirely.

For a better idea of the growth that is taking place, check out the graph on the following page: