Smartphone users may appear to be a patient crowd as they eagerly await for Apple's iPhone 5 release . According to reports, global Smartphone sales have declined for the first time in three years.
Based on a report from the marketing group Gartner, reasons for the drop in sales is a result of buyers holding out for the iPhone 5 arrival. Many will look to upgrade their current devices for Apple's next-gen iPhone.
The Asian markets have especially seen the decline but analysts remain optimistic with the iPhone 5's arrival.
"Global sales of mobile devices declined more than expected due to a slowdown in demand from the Asia/Pacific region," said Gartner analyst Anshul Gupta.
"The first quarter, traditionally the strongest quarter for Asia - which is driven by Chinese New Year, saw a lack of new product launches from leading manufacturers, and users delayed upgrades in the hope of better Smartphone deals arriving later in the year, added Gupta."
Apple's iPhone buzz continues to grow with rumors that iPhone 5 may be coming with a 4 inch display screen according to reports from Reuters.
Apple started ordering new displays from suppliers in South Korea and Japan for the larger screen..
"The new iPhone screens will measure 4 inches from corner to corner, one source said. That would represent a roughly 30 percent increase in viewing area, assuming Apple keeps other dimensions proportional. Apple has used a 3.5-inch screen since introducing the iPhone in 2007," according to a report by Reuters.
Apple is said to be working with different companies to build up their display screen in order to stay competitive with the Samsung Galaxy S3 which recently unveiled its new 4.8 inch screen display.
"The people said Apple is working with several screen makers on the new phone, including South Korea's LG Display Co., LPL +0.81% Japan's Sharp Corp. 6753.TO -3.07% and Japan Display Inc., which was created last month by three Japanese companies and the government," reports Wall Street Journal.
With Samsung becoming Apple's biggest threat, the company is obviously trying to make its mark by staying ahead of its competitors. The two companies occupy more than half of the world's market share.
"Samsung shipped 44.5 million Smartphones to grab 30.6% of the global market in the first quarter, topping Apple's 24.1%, with 35.1 million iPhones, according to market-research firm Strategy Analytics. Analysts have projected that Samsung's Smartphone shipments will double this year and that the next iPhone will boost Apple's shipments," reports Wall Street Journal.
Apple will also look to market their next-gen device with it newly claimed iPhone5.com domain. After filing the claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, Apple will take full control of the domain name. Other domains claimed by Apple includes "iPhone, itunes.net, applemusic.com, and applestor.com."
No official announcements have been made about the iPhone 5 name or its release date. Apple may provide more information during the World Wide Developers Conference, WWDC, scheduled in June.
RELATED NEWS:
Apple to Integrate iOS 6 OS, Mini Dock Connector on iPhone 5?
Samsung Tops Apple: Should iPhone 4S Have Had Physical Keyboards?
iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3, Samsung Threatens Apple's Reign
WWDC 2012: iPhone 5 Release Date in June? October More Realistic
Apple iPhone 5 Rumors: Leaked Design and Release Dates
iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3, Liquid Metal a Game Changer?
Big Apple Thinks Small with Mini iPad, iPhone 5 'Nano'