Smartphone Sanitizer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Phone-cleaning Wipes, Microfiber Cleaning Stickers, Phone Sanitizing Devices), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global smartphone sanitizer market size was valued at USD 105.1 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2020 to 2027. Increasing consumers’ awareness regarding proper hygiene and sanitization of their personal belongings, such as smartphones, as they are vulnerable to bacteria or germs infection is likely to drive the demand for smartphone sanitizer over the forecast period. A smartphone sanitizer is a product that is used to clean or disinfect the surface of a smartphone thoroughly. A smartphone sanitizer can be as simple as disinfectant wipes or as high-tech as UV sanitizer devices, which target microorganisms, dust, and debris to prevent breakouts and the spread of germs. Due to the constant use of mobile phones, these devices become a hotbed for bacteria and viruses. The scientists at the University of Arizona found that the average individual's smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. However, the right smartphone sanitizer can manage to keep them cleaner.

Some UV smartphone sanitizer not only kills bacteria but also provides fast-speed charging for mobile phones. With the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), most people are taking extra preventive measures by washing as well as sanitizing their hands, wearing a face mask, and constantly disinfecting common areas, such as the kitchen and washrooms. However, most people aren’t aware that electronic devices and their personal belongings can harbor more germs than the toilet. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning or sanitizing electronic devices, such as smartphones, through alcohol-based wipes or sprays, which contain at least 70% alcohol, or using a UV sanitizer box can prevent the spreading of germs and even novel coronavirus.

Based on current disinfection data and empirical evidence, the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) believes that UV disinfection technologies can play a major role in a multiple barrier approach to reducing the transmission of the virus causing COVID-19. Rising consumers’ awareness, government initiatives to promote better hygiene practices, and the emergence of smartphone sanitizers as a proven solution to kill bacteria are among the key factors foreseen to fuel market growth over the forecast period.

Despite the positive outlook, some UV sanitizers have a wand-style design, although they are highly efficient for cleaning larger objects, they also come with some significant risks. When these devices are used incorrectly, consumers can unintentionally expose themselves to UV radiation. The UV sanitizers produce varying amounts of UVC light in wavelengths of 200nm-280nm. This UVC light is stronger than normal sunlight and can cause a severe sunburn-like reaction, can damage the eye retina if exposed or sometimes it can even lead to cancer. These factors are likely to hamper the market growth in the coming years. 

Product Insights

In terms of revenue, phone sanitizing devices dominated the market with a share of 71.9% in 2019. This product segment is projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. This is attributed to its rising adoption rate as this product provides ultraviolet-C light, which is known for its ability to deactivate the DNA of the pathogen, thus destroying its ability to reproduce and give a thorough cleaning. There are two types of phone sanitizing devices: wand and enclosure. The enclosure phone sanitizing devices are rectangular and mostly fit an average smartphone. Some of these devices are built with a charging port so users can charge it while cleaning. The larger models can fit tablets and can also clean personal belongings, such as earphone, wallet, keys, and watch.

Phone-cleaning wipes are projected to expand at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2020 to 2027. Phone-cleaning wipes are known to remove bacteria, dirt, and grease and are generally available in independently wrapped clothes, which are mostly pre-moistened for on-the-go cleaning. In addition, they are disposable for convenience and available in different scents. The surface of the smartphone is an avenue of infection, but this can be effectively taken care of by wiping it with an alcohol solution. As per the Journal of Hospital Infection, after an analysis of 22 studies, coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces, like metal, glass, or plastic for up to 9 days. They can be efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection procedures with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within a minute.

Distribution Channel Insights

In terms of revenue, the offline distribution channel segment dominated the market with a share of 78.0% in 2019.  The high penetration of this segment is attributed to growing consumer preference for shopping such products through retail stores. The availability of several smartphone sanitizer brands under one roof, which helps consumers in easy compression of price and features, coupled with assistance by skilled staff with knowledge of products, is foreseen to fuel segment growth over the forecast period.

The online segment is foreseen to expand at a maximum CAGR of 13.0% over the forecast period. The growth of this segment is due to rising consumers’ inclination towards online shopping as it offers convenience right from product selection to delivery. In addition, increasing internet penetration, digitalization, and value-added services, such as heavy discounts, next day delivery, convenient return policies, cash on delivery, and centralized customer services, provided by online retailers are foreseen to fuel segment growth over the forecast period. The e-commerce industry is expanding at a robust growth rate across the globe, and thus many smartphone sanitizer manufacturers are listing their products on e-commerce websites in order to improve brand visibility and reach a large number of customers around the world.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global smartphone sanitizer market by accounting for 43.7% share of the overall revenue in 2019. It is projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Rising awareness regarding cleaning and disinfection of electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, keyboards, and remote controls to name a few, which are home to an enormous quantity of bacteria is foreseen to create demand for smartphone sanitizer in coming years.

In North America, the United States is foreseen to remain dominant based on share and is projected to expand at a notable CAGR over the forecast period. It is estimated that around 260 million people in the U.S. have a smartphone. An increasing number of smartphone users opting for smartphone sanitizer to sanitize their devices amid fear of COVID-19 is expected to create a positive outlook for the market over the forecast period.

Europe is foreseen to follow North America in terms of revenue and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period. Growing concerns among consumers regarding electronic devices, such as smartphones, as they can be a medium to spread the dangerous virus, including novel Covid-19, are compelling them to opt for better sanitization products for such devices. The emergence of smartphone sanitizer as an effective solution for killing bacteria and viruses is expected to generate significant demand in the coming years.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of various established players. The leading manufacturers of smartphone sanitizers have good distribution networks to reach out to a wide target audience. The impact of leading companies on the market is quite high as some of them have a global presence. In addition, the global market comprises midsize and small-size players, which can be characterized by the selected portfolio of smartphone sanitizers and they mostly serve regional customers. These small to midsize market players face stiff competition from well-established players as some of them are among the leading manufacturers of smartphone sanitizers and have a large customer base. Small to midsize smartphone manufacturers are competing with established players on the basis of per-unit cost.

Most of the leading players are focusing on innovative product launches to gain a competitive edge over other manufacturers and boost revenue growth. For instance, in March 2020, CASETiFY launched a UV sanitizer case to kill all the smartphone germs. The company has launched a UV smartphone sanitizer, which uses UV light to destroy 99.9% of the germs that live on a smartphone’s surface. This device is compact and can be fit easily in a backpack or handbag. Moreover, it has a handy wireless charging function and can charge up the smartphone while cleaning it. The company’s UV sanitizer case fits all smartphones and for an AirPods user, there’s also space to pop an AirPods case in there to give it a good clean as well. Some of the prominent players in the smartphone sanitizer market include:

• PhoneSoap

• CleanSlate UV

• CASETiFY

• Lexon

• HoMedics USA LLC

• Digimore Electronics Co., Ltd.

• The Clorox Company

• Pristine Screens LLC

• Shenzhen Leadingplus Electronic Co., Ltd.

• Totallee

Smartphone Sanitizer Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global smartphone sanitizer market report on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Phone-cleaning Wipes

  • Microfiber Cleaning Stickers

  • Phone Sanitizing Devices

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Offline

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa