Trends on Tuesday: Phablets to Top Tablets in 2015?

Is it a phone or is it a tablet?

The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that “phablets,” the popular term for smartphones with screen sizes from 5.5 to less than 7 inches, will outship portable PCs this year and tablets in 2015. Specifically, total phablet volume will top 318 million units, surpassing the 233 million tablets forecast to ship in 2015. Further, IDC expects phablets to grow from 14.0% of the worldwide smartphone market in 2014 to 32.2% in 2018.

The trend is driven by user preference and device cost, but does not mark the end for smartphones. “While consumers in places like the United States and Western Europe are likely to own a combination of PCs, tablets, and smartphones, in many places the smartphone—regardless of size—will be the one connected device of choice,” states IDC.

What’s an agency to do with the influx of screen sizes? A mobile first strategy will go a long way towards connecting agencies with smartphone and phablet users. Check out our content from DigitalGov Mobile Gov month and join the MobileGov Community of Practice so your agency can be on top of all screens sizes.