The global phone landscape has reached a remarkable milestone: 7.21 billion smartphones are now in use worldwide. That’s nearly one device for every person on Earth.
This article breaks down global smartphone statistics across user demographics, market leaders, and adoption trends. You’ll discover why China leads with 974 million users, how Android commands 72% of the operating system market, and what drives regional differences in smartphone adoption. These insights will help you understand mobile market opportunities and shape your business’s mobile strategy.
Top 6 Smartphone Statistics (Editor’s Picks)
We’ve handpicked 18+ of the latest smartphone statistics, facts, and trends. Here are 6 that we believe will blow you away.
| 1 | There are approximately 7.21 billion smartphones worldwide |
| 2 | 4.69 billion people own a smartphone today |
| 3 | Android holds 72% of the global smartphone OS market |
| 4 | iOS holds 27% of the global smartphone OS market |
| 5 | Over 1 billion iPhones are currently in use worldwide |
| 6 | 98% of the U.S. population owns a cellphone |
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How Many People Own Smartphones In The World?
There are approximately 7.21 billion smartphones worldwide (Priori Data)
Smartphone adoption has surged over the past decade, with nearly as many smartphones as people on the planet. Developing countries have seen the fastest growth, driven by affordable models and expanding mobile networks.
China has the most smartphone users in the world (Statista)
With a population of over 1.04 billion, it’s no surprise that China leads the world in smartphone users. Hundreds of millions rely on mobile devices for communication, shopping, and digital payments, making China a global hub for mobile-first technology.
4.69 billion people own a smartphone today (Backlinko)
Smartphone ownership is already massive, with 4.69 billion users worldwide. That number is expected to grow by more than a billion in just a few years, reaching 5.83 billion by 2028 as mobile technology becomes more accessible.
Here is a full breakdown of New Zoo’s active smartphone users by country:
| Rank | Country | Smartphone Users | Total Population | Smartphone Penetration |
| 1 | China | 974.69 million | 1.43 billion | 68.4% |
| 2 | India | 659 million | 1.42 billion | 46.5% |
| 3 | United States | 276.14 million | 338.29 million | 81.6% |
| 4 | Indonesia | 187.7 million | 275.5 million | 68.1% |
| 5 | Brazil | 143.43 million | 215.31 million | 66.6% |
| 6 | Russia | 106.44 million | 144.71 million | 73.6% |
| 7 | Japan | 97.44 million | 123.95 million | 78.6% |
| 8 | Nigeria | 83.34 million | 218.54 million | 38.1% |
| 9 | Mexico | 78.37 million | 127.5 million | 61.5% |
| 10 | Pakistan | 72.99 million | 235.82 million | 31% |
There were around 3.67 billion smartphone users in 2016 (Exploding Topics)
By 2016, an estimated 3.67 billion people worldwide were using smartphones. This marked a major shift toward mobile connectivity, as smartphones became essential for communication, entertainment, and work.
The table below illustrates the growth of smartphone usage since 2016:
*estimated
| Year | Smartphone Users | Growth Over Previous Year | Percentage Growth Over Previous Year |
| 2016 | 3.668 billion | ||
| 2017 | 4.435 billion | +767 million | +20.91% |
| 2018 | 5.095 billion | +660 million | +14.88% |
| 2019 | 5.623 billion | +528 million | +10.36% |
| 2020 | 5.924 | +301 million | +5.35% |
| 2021 | 6.259 billion | +335 million | +5.65% |
| 2022 | 6.567 billion | +308 million | +4.92% |
| 2023* | 6.974 billion | +407 million | +6.2% |
| 2024* | 7.211 billion | +247 million | +3.4% |
| 2025* | 7.434 billion | +223 million | +3.09% |
| 2026* | 7.584 billion | +150 million | +2% |
| 2027* | 7.772 billion | +188 million | +2.48% |
| 2028* | 7.949 billion | +177 million | 2.28% |
| 2029* | 8.064 billion | +115 million | +1.45% |
Smartphone Market Share
Samsung held nearly one-third of the smartphone market in 2012 (Exploding Topics)
In 2012, Samsung accounted for about 30% of global smartphone sales, making it the top manufacturer by market share. This was driven by the popularity of its Galaxy series, which competed directly with Apple’s iPhone.
Android and iOS dominate the smartphone OS market (TechTarget)
The smartphone industry is largely controlled by two operating systems: Android and iOS. Together, they power nearly 99% of all smartphones worldwide, leaving little room for alternative systems.
Android holds 72% of the global smartphone OS market (Statista)
Android powers over 71% of smartphones worldwide, making it the most widely used mobile operating system. Its open-source nature and availability across a wide range of devices contribute to its dominance.
Samsung’s smartphone OS holds just 0.38% market share (StatCounter)
Despite being a major smartphone manufacturer, Samsung’s own operating systems, like Tizen, have struggled to gain traction. With just 0.38% market share, the company relies almost entirely on Android for its mobile devices.
iOS holds 27% of the global smartphone OS market (Statista)
With a 27% market share, iOS is the second most popular mobile operating system worldwide. While Android leads overall, iOS dominates in high-income markets like the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
iOS holds 56% of the U.S. smartphone market (Backlinko)
In the U.S., iOS is the most popular smartphone operating system, with a 56% market share. Apple’s strong brand loyalty, ecosystem integration, and premium device lineup give it an edge over Android.
Over 1 billion iPhones are currently in use worldwide (The Verge)
Apple has surpassed 1 billion active iPhones globally, reflecting strong customer loyalty and long device lifespans. Regular software updates and a strong resale market contribute to iPhones staying in use for years.
US Smartphone User Breakdown
98% of the U.S. population owns a cellphone (ConsumerAffairs)
Almost everyone in the U.S. has a cellphone—98% of the population, to be exact. Whether it’s a smartphone or a basic mobile device, cellphones have become an essential part of daily life, changing how people communicate, work, and shop.
Only 67% of Americans earning under $30K own a smartphone (Knight Foundation)
While smartphone ownership is high overall, only 67% of those earning under $30,000 per year have one. This means a significant portion of low-income individuals may lack reliable mobile access, affecting their ability to connect to digital services and job opportunities.
77% of White and Hispanic Americans own a smartphone (Pew Research Center)
Smartphone ownership is nearly the same across racial groups in the U.S. Around 77% of White and Hispanic Americans own a smartphone, while 75% of Black Americans do. This suggests that access to mobile technology is widespread, regardless of ethnicity.
Americans earning over $75K a year are the most likely to own a smartphone (Pew Research Center)
Higher income levels correlate with higher smartphone ownership. Americans earning over $75,000 per year are the most likely to own a smartphone, showing that access to mobile technology increases with financial resources.
Conclusion
Today’s 7.21 billion smartphones represent more than just devices—they’re gateways to the digital economy. From China’s 974 million users to emerging markets’ rapid adoption, smartphones are reshaping how people live and work. As we approach 8.06 billion users by 2029, businesses must recognize that mobile technology isn’t just a trend—it’s the primary platform for reaching global audiences.
FAQ
How many smartphones are there in the world?
There are 7.21 billion smartphones worldwide, nearly matching the global population. This number is expected to reach 8.06 billion by 2029.
Which country has the most smartphone users?
China leads with 974.69 million smartphone users, followed by India with 659 million users.
What percentage of people in the US own a phone?
98% of Americans own a cellphone, with higher ownership rates among those earning over $75,000 annually.
Which operating system dominates the smartphone market?
Android dominates with 72% of the global market share, while iOS holds 27%.
How many iPhones are currently in use?
Over 1 billion iPhones are actively used worldwide.
