Apple’s 5G iPhone 12 has been a huge success across the globe, especially in China, which saw the biggest boom in demand during Q4 2020. The 5G iPhone’s supercycle will continue well into 2021 across regions, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Anisha Bhatia, Senior Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “China is a mature 5G market and Apple’s 5G iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, set off an upgrade supercycle in the country. The iPhone 12 was a huge success in China, responsible for 57% of overall growth in revenue year-on-year (Y-O-Y).

“Around 64% of Apple’s revenues came from international sales, and once consumers get inside Apple’s ecosystem, very few leave, generating a constant cycle of revenue. Unless the world goes into yet another strict lockdown, the 5G iPhone supercycle is just beginning.”

The smartphone industry has been spared the decimation seen in more service-oriented industries like travel and restaurants, and guidance indicates smartphone demand will climb back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. OEMs initially affected by the pandemic have steadied their smartphone revenues and supply chains.

Bhatia concludes: “Even a smaller OEM like Lenovo recorded its first profitable quarter in Q4 2020, and China’s growing smartphone shipments are an early indicator for other regions in the world. As Europe and the US expand their 5G coverage in 2021, the iPhone 12 will be ready and waiting, likely with a new 5G iPhone 13 on its heels. This will continue the 5G iPhone supercycle well into 2021.”