Global devices shipments to grow 2.8% in 2015

The global combined shipments of devices, including personal computers, tablets, ultra mobiles and mobile phones, are estimated to reach 2.5 billion units in 2015. This is  a 2.8-per cent rise over  2014, according to a study by research and analysis firm Gartner.

In spending terms, the global computing devices market (PCs and ultra mobiles) is on pace to reach $226 billion, a 7.2 per cent decline in US dollars, it added.

Stripping out the impact of exchange-rate movements (constant US dollars), the global computing devices spending will fall 3.1 per cent in 2015. The global PC market is on pace to total 306 million units in 2015, a 2.4 per cent 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," he added.

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 per cent 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 rising average selling prices of premium-phone, which now will remain flat or slightly lower as the smartphone market reaches saturation over the next few years.

"Consumers will continue to prioritise spending on phones over PCs and tablets in 2015," said Roberta Cozza, research director at Gartner.

The global ultra mobile shipments, including tablets and clamshells, are on pace to total 237 million units in 2015, a 4.3 per cent rids over 2014.

"Following rapid growth, the current mature consumer installed base for tablets is comparable to that of notebooks," said Cozza. "Not only is the tablet segment nearing saturation in mature markets, but the influx of hybrids and phablets will compete directly with tablets in emerging markets."

Garner expects an increasing percentage of users of high-end Android devices will move to iOS. "Android vendors at the high end are finding it hard to differentiate and add value beyond technology and features," said Cozza.