SmartphonesAs newer technology emerges in the mobile smartphone industry, more people are buying the devices to keep themselves up to date. A new International Data Corporation (IDC) report called Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker showed data on mobile device sales across the globe. According to the report, in the second quarter of 2014, the smartphone market increased 25.3 percent worldwide when compared to the second quarter of 2013.

The shipments tracked from IDC showed the second quarter of 2014 figures reached 301.3 million, which is a new single-quarter record and the first time shipments exceeded 300 million units. The achievement is a significant benchmark for the mobile phone industry, especially after a robust first quarter.

From first quarter to second quarter, the phone shipment market grew 5.2 percent, which experts believe was from the increased use of more affordable smartphones on the market and the growing demand for new mobile devices in general, the IDC reported. Additionally, the IDC forecasted the third quarter figures to exceed the 300 million unit mark once again.

Worldwide smartphone users increases
At the beginning of the year, eMarketer estimated mobile phone users across the world would reach 4.55 billion people in 2014. The study explained developing markets such as the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific are still seeing a lot of new users even though the adoption rate for smartphones is typically slow in these regions.

However, total mobile phone users between 2013 and 2017 should account for more than 69 percent of the population worldwide, eMarketer stated in its Worldwide Mobile Phone Users: H1 2014 Forecast and Comparative Estimates report.

Only two years ago, the world's smartphone user total reached 1 billion people and is estimated to surpass 1.75 billion this year. The report from eMarketer stated by the end of 2014, roughly two-fifths of global mobile phone users will own a smartphone. The research continued by saying smartphone owners will increase to half the global population by the end of 2017.

Apple waiting for launch to grow sales
The IDC report showed Apple's iPhone, yet again, hit a low in its second quarter 2014 figures. The quarter is typically the roughest period for smartphones sales for the computer giant, and some worry that third quarter numbers could be grim as well if the company does not launch the new iPhone 6.

While smartphone usage is increasing across the world, many people want to make sure their phones will last until the next update. Investing in personal iPhone or smartphone insurance could help users ensure their devices are replaced if they are lost, stolen or damaged.