Global device shipments are forecast to reach 2.5 billion units in 2015, up 2.8% on 2014.
According to statistics published on Thursday by Gartner, the increase will be driven by the mobile phone sector, which is expected to register shipment growth of 3.5% this year, or 1.9 billion units. By comparison, global PC shipments – which includes desktops, notebooks and ultramobile devices – are expected to decline 2.4% on-year to 306 mil lion.
The research firm expects global spending on PCs will fall 7.2% this year to $226 billion.
"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," explained Ranjit Atwal, a Gartner research director, in a statement. "The currency squeeze is forcing PC vendors to increase their prices in order to remain profitable and, as result, it is suppressing purchases."
Meanwhile, the mobile handset market has seen a slight increase in average selling price (ASP) over the last few years, driven by growing prices of premium smartphones. However, Gartner expects market saturation will lead to flat ASP growth over the coming few years.
"Consumers will continue to prioritise spending on phones over PCs and tablets in 2015," said Gartner research director Roberta Cozza.
