GCF report highlights record-breaking number of manufacturers certifying smartphones in 2024
GCF’s Device Technology Trends Report highlights record smartphone certifications and growth in adoption of 5G and eSIM technologies in 2024.
London (United Kingdom), 25 February 2025
The Global Certification Forum (GCF) has published its annual Device Technology Trends Report 2025, providing insights into device certifications completed during 2024.
GCF’s certification process ensures devices conform to industry standards and can interoperate seamlessly across global networks. By analysing certification data from 2024, the report reveals key trends shaping the future of device connectivity.
Key findings from this year’s report include:
- Device certification growth — The number of devices certified at GCF rose to 574, up from 536 in 2023 (a 7% increase), mainly due to an increase in the number of certified smartphones (up by 23).
- Record smartphone manufacturer participation — In 2024, a record 32 smartphone manufacturers certified devices with GCF, 3 more than in 2023. New entrants joined established brands, reflecting a diversifying market.
- 5G expansion continues — The proportion of GCF-certified devices incorporating 5G grew to 48% in 2024, up from 38% in 2023. The widespread adoption of 5G Standalone (SA) technology is accelerating, with 96.4% of all 5G-certified devices supporting SA mode. More than two thirds of all certified smartphones incorporate 5G.
- eSIM adoption surges — For the first time, more than half of all certified smartphones (51.7%) included Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) for consumer eSIM, up from just 34.8% in 2023.
- LTE remains dominant — Despite the rise of 5G, LTE remained the most widely integrated wireless standard in certified devices. In 2024, 88% of all certified devices supported LTE, reinforcing its role as a foundational global technology.
- Increased complexity in device certifications — More than 88% of certified devices incorporated multiple radio technologies, and the number of devices supporting four or more radio bearer technologies grew to 32.4% in 2024.
“This year’s Device Technology Trends Report shows that the smartphone market has started to recover, and we expect this trend to continue throughout 2025” said Lars Nielsen, CEO at GCF. “The industry is evolving rapidly to meet the needs of a hyperconnected world, and our expectation is that part of the growth in certifications in 2025 will be driven by IoT eSIM, 5G Redcap (5G NR Light), NTN NB-IoT (satellite oriented), and Mission Critical Services.”
The report also explores a broad variety of other emerging trends expected to shape the industry in the years ahead.
For more insights, you can download the full report at: https://www.globalcertificationforum.org/news/downloads.html
The Global Certification Forum (GCF) has published its annual Device Technology Trends Report 2025, providing insights into device certifications completed during 2024.
About GCF
For 25 years the Global Certification Forum (GCF) has been leading the global ecosystem facilitating interoperable devices, networks, and services, enabling reliable and secure wireless communications. GCF’s solutions cover 5G NR, LTE, Cellular IoT (NB-IoT and eMTC), eSIM, and legacy technologies. GCF has over 350 members, including major and smaller operators and service providers, all major device and IoT manufacturers, and the test industry, working together with key industry partners on certification programmes demanded by the market. www.globalcertificationforum.org
Editorial contacts
Carsten Otte (Publitek)
+49 (0) 4181 968098-80
[email protected]
Ref: GCFPR2501