Apple may not have invented the bezel-less all-screen smartphone, but the iPhone X has certainly helped popularize it.
According to a new report, shipments of all-screen smartphones are set to increase enormously in 2018, and will soon make up the overwhelming majority of smartphones — as rivals rush to compete.
In research carried out by China-based research consultancy Sigmaintell Consulting, shipments of all-screen smartphones are expected to top 910 million units this year. That’s up significantly from the mere 130 million units shipped in 2017.
These handsets will account for 61 percent of global smartphone shipments this year, and expand to 85 percent by 2020. Of high-end AMOLED displays shipped this year, 75 percent will be for all-screen smartphones, up from just 30 percent last year.
As noted, Apple didn’t start the all-display smartphone trend. The Samsung Galaxy S8 introduced the design back in April 2017, producing arguably its greatest handset in years. Since then, other companies like Xiaomi have also adopted the look. However, Apple’s prominent position likely means that the iPhone X will have a disproportionate impact on the design that smaller rivals feel compelled to emulate.
The bezel-less design builds on the popularity of the “phablet” form factor (half way between a smartphone and a tablet), which Apple previously embraced in 2014 with the iPhone 6 Plus. While it allows manufacturers to include phablet proportion displays in their devices, it means they do not have to increase the physical size of the handset in order to accommodate it.
Interestingly, the iPhone X’s sales success has yet to be proven. While Apple’s latest iPhone has benefitted from strong critical reviews, recent reports have suggested that demand for the iPhone X — likely not helped by the $1,000+ price tag — may be weaker than expected.
What do you think of the current trend for bezel-free smartphones? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Digitimes
