Mobile Commerce Statistics: Sales Growth Forecast
With the number of smartphone users worldwide rising year after year and a growing dependence on online shopping, it should come as no surprise that mobile commerce is also becoming increasingly popular.
The latest mobile commerce statistics show rising annual revenues, as global consumers turn to their smartphones for purchases. Here’s a look at some key mobile commerce growth figures in recent years and a forecast.
Mobile commerce growth: table
|
Year |
Global mobile commerce revenues |
Annual change |
Share of total retail ecommerce |
|
2017 |
$500 billion |
40% |
|
|
2018 |
$660 billion |
+32.0% |
43% |
|
2019 |
$810 billion |
+22.7% |
46% |
|
2020 |
$1.10 trillion |
+35.8% |
48% |
|
2021 |
$1.40 trillion |
+27.3% |
49% |
|
2022 |
$1.48 trillion |
+5.7% |
52% |
|
2023 |
$1.71 trillion |
+15.5% |
54% |
|
2024 |
$2.07 trillion |
+21.1% |
57% |
|
2025 |
$2.51 trillion |
+21.3% |
59% |
|
2026 |
$2.74 trillion |
+9.2% |
60% |
|
2027 |
$3.02 trillion |
+10.2% |
62% |
|
2028 |
$3.35 trillion |
+10.9% |
63% |
Growth of mobile commerce: 2017–2024
Mobile commerce sales worldwide are projected to reach $2.07 trillion in 2024—21.1% more than the $1.71 trillion recorded in 2023. This year also marks the first time revenues are expected to surpass $2 trillion, representing 57% of total ecommerce sales.
The growth of mobile commerce this year marks an acceleration from the previous two years and is expected to be even larger than the average annual growth rate of 19.2% forecast from 2017 to 2028. This is made more impressive when considering the fact that mobile commerce sales in 2024 will have more than quadrupled since 2017. That year, total revenues from mobile commerce amounted to $500 billion.
Future of mobile commerce: 2025–2028 revenue forecast
With the number of smartphone users currently at 4.88 billion and growing, as far as trends go, there’s nothing to indicate that mobile commerce growth will stop anytime soon. In fact, mobile commerce sales are set to continue rising through to at least 2028. That year, analysts expect mobile commerce sales to total $3.35 trillion, after having crossed the $3 trillion milestone the previous year. Revenues from purchases on mobile devices are also anticipated to account for 63% of overall ecommerce sales. In other words, more than $3 out of every $5 spent on shopping online in 2028 will be transacted through a mobile device.
The total time spent on mobile devices has also been on the rise. In the US alone, the amount of time spent on mobile devices every day by consumers has increased from 225 minutes in 2019 to 279 minutes in 2024. This marks a 24% increase in just five years.
Factors driving mobile commerce growth
Mobile commerce growth can be attributed to the convenience of mobile shopping. The increase in mobile payment options is proving to be a huge boost for customers’ mobile experience. In fact, three out of four consumers say they carry out purchases on their mobile devices because it saves time.
However, there’s always room for improvement. As many as 90% of shoppers say that their experiences with mobile commerce could be better. The two most common concerns hindering mobile shopping are pages and links that are too small to click on and security issues. At least half of shoppers also indicate that they would like online retailers to provide more product reviews and information.
Want to learn more?
- US Mobile Payment Market (2020–2027)
- Mobile Ecommerce Conversion Rate
- What Percentage of Internet Traffic Is Mobile?
- US Mobile Advertising Spend (By Industry)
Mobile Commerce Statistics FAQ
What share of online sales happens on mobile devices?
Mobile devices account for 57% of global ecommerce sales in 2024, up from 40% in 2017. The share is forecast to reach 60% in 2026 and 63% in 2028. By 2028, more than $3 out of every $5 spent online is expected to go through a mobile device.
Has mobile commerce growth ever slowed down?
Yes, growth slowed sharply in 2022, when revenues rose just 5.7% to $1.48 trillion. That followed a 27.3% jump in 2021. Growth then picked up again, with increases of 15.5% in 2023 and 21.1% in 2024.
How many smartphone users are there worldwide?
There are 4.88 billion smartphone users worldwide, and the number keeps growing. That large user base supports mobile commerce, with sales forecast to keep rising through at least 2028, when analysts expect them to total $3.35 trillion.
What stops shoppers from buying on their phones?
The two most common concerns are pages and links that are too small to tap, and security issues. As many as 90% of shoppers say mobile shopping could be better. Retailers can respond with larger tap targets, stronger security, and more product reviews and information, which at least half of shoppers want.
How much time do people spend on mobile devices each day?
US consumers spent 279 minutes a day on mobile devices in 2024. That's up from 225 minutes in 2019, a 24% increase in five years.