Based on the findings of a new report from Gartner, consumers are taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to their next smartphone purchase, a clear indication of the mobile masses waiting for “the next big thing” to come along.
Worldwide sales of mobile phones to end users reached 419 million units in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.3 percent decline from the second quarter of 2011, Gartner finds.
“Demand slowed further in the second quarter of 2012,” said Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst at Gartner. “The challenging economic environment and users postponing upgrades to take advantage of high-profile device launches and promotions available later in the year slowed demand across markets. Demand of feature phones continued to decline, significantly weakening the overall mobile phone market.”
So what is everyone waiting for? The new iPhone, of course.
“High-profile smartphone launches from key manufacturers such as the anticipated Apple iPhone 5, along with Chinese manufacturers pushing 3G and preparing for major device launches in the second half of 2012, will drive the smartphone market upward. However, feature phones will continue to see pressure,” Gupta added.
Are you waiting to buy a smartphone until the iPhone 5 is released? Please weigh in with a thought or comment below.
