The smartphone accessories market - United States

The global smartphone accessory market has maintained robust growth despite a slowdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and nearing smartphone market saturation in some regions. The market, valued at USD 81.4 billion, is projected to expand to USD 152.03 billion by 2029, advancing at a CAGR of 6.3%. The U.S. remains a key market with a mature smartphone user base of approximately 220 million in 2020, implying a significant market for accessories like cases, chargers, and screen protectors. Wireless charging equipment, including pads and cases with built-in batteries, along with portable battery chargers, represent particularly dynamic segments driven by consumer demand for convenience and innovation.

The proliferation of wireless earbuds has likewise surged. Despite the pandemic's impact causing fluctuations in tech product purchases, segments like wearable electronics have seen resilient demand due to their health-tracking features. Overall, the market dynamics are characterized by intense competition, continuous product innovation, and a shift toward customization and high-end products like smartwatches, which are integrating more closely with smartphones.

Dynamics of Smartphone Accessory Demand in the United States

The United States has witnessed a burgeoning market in smartphone accessories, consistently fueled by technological advancement and shifting consumer behaviors. Notably, the demand for wireless headphones, particularly wireless earbuds like AirPods, has surged remarkably, with sales to dealers increasing by roughly 85 to 90 percent. This surge aligns with the prevailing trend where traditional wired earbuds and headphones are experiencing a decline, indicative of the shift towards wireless connectivity preferences among consumers. Similarly, protective products like smartphone covers and screen protectors have seen significant movement. Screen protectors are the most purchased product, followed by chargers, highlighting their position as staples in the accessory market. The growth in sales of protective accessories is not just a reflection of the need for device safety but also of consumer trends in customization and aesthetics.

The importance of design in phone cases has come to the fore, with increasing numbers of consumers, particularly within the younger demographics, opting for custom phone cases that reflect personal style and individuality. Print-on-demand services have thrived under these conditions, representing one of the more accessible and creative segments within the market. As smartphone ownership inches toward complete market saturation, with estimates placing adult smartphone ownership at nearly full penetration, the natural extension has been a ripe environment for the growth of accessory markets. Interestingly, the market has recorded not just a general rise in the acquisition of accessories but also a variation in consumer choices based on income, ethnicity, gender, and age demographics. The lower income bracket, for instance, has shown striking growth in smartphone ownership, going from between 20 to 25 percent to around 75 to 80 percent in a span of ten years, signaling a shift in the perception of smartphones from a luxury to a necessity.

In parallel to protective accessories, high-end products like fitness bands and smartwatches have seen mixed penetration rates, with smartwatches gaining a slight increase due to their integration with smartphone functionalities, while fitness bands have noticed a dip, possibly due to feature absorption by the former. The pricing strategy within the accessories market maintains a competitive edge, with a plethora of options ranging from as low as $5 to as high as $200, catering to a wide spectrum of consumer preferences and financial capabilities. This has further facilitated the development of a highly fragmented market, with no single brand dominating sustainably over time. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has cast a shadow of uncertainty, constraining consumer spending and preferences towards.

Leading Innovators and Dominant Forces in the Smartphone Accessory Market

The smartphone accessory market is chock-full of innovation and intense competition, with several key players driving forward the industry's growth through technological advancements and strategic market positioning. Here's a closer look at some of the primary companies making waves in this vibrant sector:

• Apple Inc. Apple is more than just a giant in the smartphone industry; it has an expansive ecosystem that includes a wide array of accessories designed to complement its iPhone range. Apple's accessories - from AirPods to a variety of charging solutions, and their smartwatch series, have become nearly as iconic as the smartphones they accompany. With a strong focus on design and functionality, Apple continues to set trends in the accessory market, often dictating the direction competitors take.
• Samsung Electronics As a leading global smartphone manufacturer, Samsung naturally extends its expertise into the accessory domain. It offers an extensive assortment of accessories, including smartwatches, VR headsets, and wireless earbuds. Samsung's ecosystem approach ensures seamless integration and enhanced functionality across its accessory products, resulting in a cohesive user experience that bolsters brand loyalty.
• Sony Corporation Though Sony may not command the same presence in the smartphone segment as the former two giants, it has carved out a significant niche in the market with its audio accessories. Sony's headphones and earbuds are renowned for their superior sound quality and cutting-edge noise-cancellation technology, appealing to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
• Panasonic Corporation Panasonic may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of smartphone accessories, but it has a stronghold in the audio accessory segment. Panasonic offers a range of headphones and other audio accessories that cater to different segments of the market, offering quality sound solutions for various consumer needs.
• Bose Corporation Bose is synonymous with high-end audio excellence, and its range of headphones and speakers complement smartphones with crisp, enveloping sound. While not primarily a smartphone brand, Bose's wireless and noise-canceling headphone options are a favorite among users looking to upgrade their audio accessories for enhanced listening experiences.
• Energizer Holdings, Inc. Energizer may be best known for its batteries, but the company has also ventured into the smartphone accessory market with products like portable chargers and power banks. Energizer's entry into this space provides consumers with reliable options for extending the battery life of their smartphones on the go.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/08/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Nombre de smartphones vendus aux utilisateurs finaux
• Vente d'accessoires pour téléphones sans fil à des détaillants
• Répartition du marché des accessoires technologiques grand public, par type d'accessoires
• Pourcentage d'adultes possédant un smartphone
• Pénétration des utilisateurs de smartphones en pourcentage de la population totale
• Pourcentage d'adultes possédant un smartphone, par revenu du ménage
• Pourcentage d'adultes possédant un smartphone, par ethnie
• Pourcentage d'adultes possédant un smartphone, par sexe
• Pourcentage d'adultes possédant un smartphone, par groupe d'âge
• Répartition des ventes aux revendeurs d'écouteurs, par type d'écouteurs
• Les marques d'écouteurs sans fil les plus appréciées
• Pénétration des accessoires pour smartphones "mettables"
• Évolution de l'IPC pour le matériel téléphonique, les calculatrices et autres articles d'information des consommateurs
• Impact du COVID-19 sur les achats de produits technologiques, par catégorie de produits
• Chiffre d'affaires des principaux pure players