The Global 5G Equipment Market is categorized by form factor (including Modules, CPE (Indoor/Outdoor), Smartphones, Hotspots, Laptops, Industrial Grade CPE/Router/Gateway), spectrum support (Sub-6 GHz, mmWave, or both spectrum bands), and geographical regions (North America, comprising the United States and Canada; Europe, including Germany, the UK, France, Spain, and the rest of Europe; Asia Pacific, which covers China, Japan, India, Australia, and the remaining Asia-Pacific; Latin America, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the rest of Latin America; and the Middle East & Africa, encompassing the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of MEA). The size and forecast of the market are presented in terms of value (USD billion) for each of the aforementioned segments.
The analysis of the 5G Devices Market indicates that the shipment volume is projected to rise from 7.85 billion units in 2025 to 86.89 billion units by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 61.76% during the projected period (2025-2030).
The 5G devices landscape is rapidly evolving as mainstream consumer adoption accelerates across various global markets. Recent consumer research across 37 markets reveals that around 430 million users of 5G connected devices come from a surveyed population of 1.7 billion customers, demonstrating significant market penetration. The movement from early adoption markets to mainstream consumption is generating new opportunities for device manufacturers and ecosystem participants. This evolution is particularly noticeable in the growing variety of 5G-enabled products being launched to cater to diverse consumer needs and price ranges.
Changing consumer preferences and expectations around digital connectivity and smart device integration are further influencing market dynamics. The standardization and regulatory framework continues to be vital for market evolution, with substantial updates to technical specifications impacting product development timelines. A significant example is the 3GPP’s update to the Release 17 specifications in 2023, which carries vital implications for device manufacturers and network operators. These progressing standards are stimulating innovation in device design and functionality while ensuring interoperability across various networks and regions. The standardization initiative is also promoting the establishment of more advanced network architectures capable of accommodating approximately one million devices per square kilometer, thus facilitating dense device deployment in urban settings.
The semiconductor industry’s response to market needs is reshaping the competitive environment of 5G devices. Key chip manufacturers are unveiling innovative solutions to cater to different market segments, as demonstrated by MediaTek’s introduction of the Dimensity 1050 mmWave SoC in 2023, which aims to enhance 5G connectivity within devices. This development illustrates the industry’s commitment to producing more efficient and cost-effective components that can accommodate a range of device categories. The advancements in chip technology are allowing manufacturers to create more sophisticated devices while maintaining competitive pricing, which is essential for market growth. The convergence of 5G technology with emerging digital applications is leading to new use cases across various industries. Network operators and device manufacturers are increasingly concentrating on enterprise-specific solutions, particularly in industrial automation, smart cities, and connected vehicles. This trend is encouraging the creation of specialized 5G equipment tailored for distinct industrial applications and use cases. The market is transitioning from consumer-oriented devices to enterprise-centric solutions, with manufacturers designing robust industrial-grade equipment capable of supporting mission-critical applications. This diversification is unlocking new revenue opportunities and creating prospects for specialized device manufacturers.
Trends in the 5G Devices Market are marked by a sustained increase in the number of devices and endpoints globally.
The exponential rise in connected devices and endpoints is acting as a significant driver for the 5G devices market. Recent industry projections indicate that wide-area IoT connections are anticipated to reach 6.3 billion by 2026, while cellular IoT connections are expected to reach 5.9 billion in the same period. This substantial increase in connected devices is placing unprecedented demands on network capacity and capabilities, which only 5G can adequately fulfill. The technology’s capacity to support up to one million connected devices per square kilometer uniquely positions it to manage the surge in IoT deployments across industrial automation, smart cities, and consumer applications. The growing adoption of industrial IoT applications is particularly propelling the demand for 5G mobile devices. As manufacturing facilities increasingly integrate collaborative robots, remote-controlled machinery, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), there is a rising need for ultra-reliable low-latency communications to support real-time operations. Furthermore, the introduction of new use cases in energy management, smart home devices, and enterprise IoT reinforces this demand.
Technological Innovations at a Component and Device Level to Aid Adoption
Innovative breakthroughs in chipsets, modems, and device designs are speeding up the commercialization of 5G devices across various price ranges and formats. Prominent chipset producers are launching more complex solutions, as highlighted by Qualcomm’s introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, which features a fourth-generation 5G modem-RF System capable of achieving speeds of up to 10 Gbps. These advancements in technology are allowing device manufacturers to create 5G products that are more power-efficient and cost-effective, thereby making the technology more accessible to a wider audience.
The momentum of innovation goes beyond smartphones to include an array of device categories. Companies are creating specialized 5G modules for industrial uses, advanced customer premises equipment (CPE) for fixed wireless access, and innovative IoT devices. For example, Nokia’s launch of the 5G router and dongle illustrates how innovations at the component level are facilitating new industrial applications. Likewise, improvements in antenna design and RF front-end solutions are assisting in overcoming the technical obstacles related to millimeter-wave implementation, resulting in enhanced device performance and dependability.
Key Benefits Offered by 5G Over Its Predecessors
The significant performance enhancements provided by 5G compared to earlier generations are promoting widespread adoption among both consumers and enterprises. While 4G networks generally offer average download speeds of 32.5 Mbps and peak speeds nearing 90 Mbps, 5G networks can achieve average speeds ranging from 130-240 Mbps and peak downloads surpassing 599 Mbps. This remarkable increase in speed and bandwidth facilitates new applications such as 8K video streaming, augmented reality for remote learning, and comprehensive VR teleconferencing that were once unfeasible on mobile networks.
Even more critical is the reduction in latency, which has improved from 60 milliseconds in 3G networks and 50 milliseconds in 4G to theoretical latencies as low as 1 millisecond in 5G networks. This extremely low latency, coupled with 5G’s capacity to support up to ten times more connected devices per area compared to 4G, permits essential real-time applications in autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and remote surgery. Moreover, 5G’s enhanced spectral efficiency and network slicing features enable operators to offer tailored service levels for various applications, making it especially appealing for enterprise and industrial uses that require assured performance metrics.
5G Devices Market in North America
The 5G devices market in North America continues to show strong growth and technological dominance, holding about 21% of the global market share in 2024. The region’s robust market position is fueled by advanced telecommunications infrastructure, high rates of consumer adoption, and vigorous deployments of 5G network equipment by major carriers. The United States is at the forefront of the regional market, boasting extensive 5G coverage in major urban areas and ongoing investments in network infrastructure. The market features a high penetration of premium 5G devices, creative IoT devices, and an escalating acceptance of industrial 5G applications. Consumer demand for high-speed connectivity, combined with the rising interest in cloud gaming and augmented reality applications, continues to propel market growth. Additionally, the region gains from a strong presence of leading device manufacturers and semiconductor companies, which promotes innovation in 5G device technology. The uptake of private 5G networks and industrial IoT solutions by enterprises further enhances the market dynamics in North America.
5G Devices Market in Europe
The 5G devices market in Europe has shown remarkable progress, achieving an impressive growth rate of around 87% from 2019 to 2024. This strong growth is backed by collaborative initiatives from the EU aimed at fostering 5G integration and digital progress throughout member nations. The market in this region is notably focused on industrial uses, particularly within the manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare industries. European nations are actively advancing the creation of 5G-enabled smart cities and solutions for industrial automation. The market advantages from solid regulatory frameworks that facilitate 5G implementation and spectrum distribution. The rise in consumer adoption is influenced by the growing availability of mid-range 5G devices and the expanding network coverage in both urban and rural communities. The region’s dedication to sustainable technological advancement and digital independence has fostered a distinctive environment for innovation and deployment of 5G devices.
5G Devices Market in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region continues to hold its status as the largest and most vibrant market for 5G devices worldwide, with forecasts suggesting a robust growth rate of approximately 68% from 2024 to 2029. This market exhibits varied adoption trends among developed and developing economies. Technologically advanced nations such as China, South Korea, and Japan are at the forefront of innovation and commercial rollout of 5G devices. The market benefits from extensive manufacturing capabilities, strong governmental backing, and the presence of prominent device manufacturers. Consumer enthusiasm is fueled by rising digital literacy, a burgeoning middle-class population, and widespread mobile technology adoption. There is a substantial interest in 5G applications from the industrial sector, particularly for smart manufacturing and automation. The dynamics of this market are influenced by competitive pricing tactics and rapid advancement in device technologies.
5G Devices Market in Latin America
The market for 5G devices in Latin America is witnessing steady growth as nations in the region hasten their digital transformation efforts. This market is characterized by an increased emphasis on affordable 5G devices aimed at encouraging adoption among cost-conscious consumers. Major telecom operators are enhancing their coverage of 5G wireless equipment, especially in urban areas and industrial districts. There is an expanding demand for 5G-enabled smartphones and fixed wireless access solutions in the region. Enterprise adoption is primarily driven by industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. Government initiatives aimed at improving digital infrastructure and fostering technological innovation are supporting market growth. The region’s specific geographical challenges have spurred innovative strategies for implementing 5G technology. Growing consumer awareness and demand for high-speed connectivity continue to escalate, particularly in significant metropolitan areas.
5G Devices Market in Middle East & Africa
The market for 5G devices in the Middle East and Africa shows considerable growth potential, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This market features substantial governmental support for initiatives related to digital transformation and smart city projects. Countries in the Middle East, notably the UAE and Saudi Arabia, lead the way in 5G technology adoption within the region. There is a rising demand for both consumer and industrial applications of 5G technology. Enterprise adoption is primarily influenced by industries such as oil and gas, construction, and smart infrastructure development. In Africa, the market is gradually accepting 5G technology, initially focusing on solutions for fixed wireless access. The diverse economic landscape of the region leads to different adoption trends across individual countries. Market growth is bolstered by increasing investments in telecommunications infrastructure and growing awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of 5G technology.
