The number of smart connected devices (SCD) is forecast to grow 15.6 per cent through 2014, reaching close to 1.8 billion, fuelled by the popularity of smartphones.

This is one of the headline findings from IDC’s latest quarterly tracker on the global SCD market.

IDC expects smartphone growth to lead the SCD charge as PC, tablet and ‘2-in-1’ forecasts were lowered in light of a weak first quarter.

By 2018, IDC estimates shipments will grow to 2.4 billion units.

“Apple’s iOS-ification of Mac OS, and Microsoft’s implementation of Modern UI throughout different form factors are clear indicators that we’re living in a mobile-first world,” said Jitesh Ubrani, Research Analyst, Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker at IDC.

“The PC will be the new accessory to mobile as smartphones become the first and primary computing device for many.”

IDC expects smartphone shipments to outpace total PC shipments by more than 6 to 1 in 2018.

“Low-cost Android smartphones will drive much of the SCD shipment growth in coming years,” added Tom Mainelli, VP for IDC’s devices and displays group. “The influx of inexpensive phones will drive the SCD average selling price bands downward, with the sub-$200 band increasing from 33 per cent of total shipments in 2013 to greater than 43 per cent in 2018, while devices that cost more than $500 are forecast to shrink from 33 per cent of total device shipments to 21.1 per cent.”