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June 03, 2013

Touchscreen Device Shipments to Hit 3 Billion By 2016

To the surprise of no one, touchscreen devices are becoming ever more popular. Industry analyst IHS has released a new report that indicates that touchscreen panel shipments should double by the end of 2016. That number is expected to increase across the globe. The increased popularity is not limited to one particular region but is growing at almost the same rate all around the world.

Part of the reason for the increase in popularity of touchscreen devices is that they are becoming cheaper every day. While the original iPad was topping out at a price tag of about $600, it’s not very hard to find tablets that are well under $200 depending on the quality. Access to Wi-Fi and cellular networks is on the rise as well. That growth has found more people willing to make the move to smart devices that have a touchscreen interface.

The doubling of touchscreen shipments from 2012 to 2016 means that there will be roughly 3 billion units shipping by the end of 2016. The IHS study points out that the growth of devices besides tablets and smartphones with touchscreens will help more of those devices sell quicker. Microsoft is just one company that has started to produce more touchscreen laptops and computers. They used Windows 8 as their first major vehicle for this, but those PCs likely won’t be the last.

Other devices, such as portable GPS devices, eBook readers and other mobile devices will all help drive the market. IHS acknowledges that devices like eBook readers are not going to see huge growth in the market by themselves, but they will be part of the reason the market as a whole increases. Notebook PCs will likely see the largest growth of any touchscreen device from now to 2016. IHS believes the shipment numbers will jump from 4.6 million units shipped in 2012 to 78 million by 2016.




Edited by Rory J. Thompson


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