Daniel Slotta
Research expert covering Greater China
Smartphones in the UK- statistics & facts
Be it for calling a friend in London or using the internet to navigate the streets of Edinburgh, smartphones have become indispensable, with the United Kingdom (UK) counting over 84 million mobile cellular subscriptions. Over the years, smartphone adoption has surged, and with cutting-edge advancements like AI-powered smartphones and lightning-fast 5G networks, this trend is only set to grow. From young tech enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, people of all ages continue to embrace the latest innovations that keep them connected.
Apple is ahead in the UK
The UK smartphone industry  – forecast to record revenues of nearly 11 billion British pounds by 2029 – mirrors the dynamics of the global market. Apple and Samsung are the main market players, with Apple leading it with just under 50 percent of the market in 2024, ahead of the steady 30 percent Samsung has maintained over the years. On the other hand, the UK operating system market shows a more even split between Apple and Android devices, with 55 percent of active devices running on Android and almost 45 percent on Apple iOS.Apps remain a key attraction for smartphone users
What makes smartphones truly indispensable? Apps. More than just communication tools, smartphones leverage their computing power, internet access, cameras, and GPS to enhance daily life. In 2023, internet browsers, social media apps, and e-mail services were the most popular app types in the UK. Particularly, in 2024, WhatsApp and Facebook recorded the highest reach among consumers. Other social media apps, such as YouTube or Instagram, recorded slightly lower shares.5G set to shape the smartphone market
5G – the fifth generation of mobile broadband technology – is set to shape developments in the global smartphone industry. Mobile providers in the UK purchased licenses to operate on 5G-relevant frequencies as early as 2018. Since then, the number of 5G connections in the country has increased and, by 2030, it is estimated that 5G will account for 93 percent of all mobile connections. As aresult, in the UK and elsewhere, next-generation mobile technology will continue to shape the smartphone industry, with the major vendors needing to stay ahead of the curve, preparing for the smartphones of tomorrow.
