Mobile and Tablet Case Market Assessment, By Category [Mobile Case, Tablet Case], By Product Type [Standard Cases, Folio Cases, Flip Cases, Phone Pouch, Others], By Case Size [Below 5 Inch, 5 to 8 Inch, 8 to 11 Inch, Above 11 Inch], By Material [Silicone,

Mobile and Tablet Case Market Assessment, By Category [Mobile Case, Tablet Case], By Product Type [Standard Cases, Folio Cases, Flip Cases, Phone Pouch, Others], By Case Size [Below 5 Inch, 5 to 8 Inch, 8 to 11 Inch, Above 11 Inch], By Material [Silicone, Leather, Plastic, Others], By Finish [Matte, Glossy, Metallic, Fur, Others], By Special Features [Waterproof, Shockproof, Scratch Resistant, Antimicrobial, Magnetic Closure, Wireless Charging Compatible, Others], By Design [Plain, Printed], By Price Range [Value Segment, Premium Segment, Luxury Segment], By Distribution Channel [Offline, Online], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global mobile and tablet case market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.80% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 14.24 billion in 2023 to USD 20.72 billion in 2031. The market is witnessing exponential growth due to factors such as an increase in the durability of mobile phones and tablets and their protection against external damage, majorly fostering market growth.

The increasing demand for mobile phones and digital gadgets is supplementing the demand for protective cases for mobile phones and tablets, driving the market growth. In recent years, with the increase in the usage of mobile phones among kids and youngsters, the mobile and tablet case market is on the rise. According to the GSM Association’s annual State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2023 published in October 2023, 54% of the total global population, which is approximately 4.3 billion people, own a smartphone. Moreover, the continuous innovation and technological advancements in mobile phones and tablets are leading to the frequent release of new models, which is catering to the global mobile and tablet case market size.

Introduction of distinct features in the mobile phones such as shock absorption, antimicrobial properties, water resistance and radiation protection are further driving the market growth as the consumers seek cases which offer extra protection to their devices. For instance, in March 2022, Targus International LLC introduced the SafePort Collection of antimicrobial iPad cases which offers superior protection and prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms on the surface of mobile cases. These cases are ideal for usage in rugged environments such as healthcare settings, construction sites, offices and classrooms as they are infused with Targus’ patented DefenseGuard antimicrobial treatment.

Moreover, innovation in designs, materials, and finish is appealing to the consumers to drive the market growth. Consumers seek mobile and tablet cases that have functional add-ons and look aesthetic to them. They prefer unique colors, patterns, and designs, which set their devices apart. Cases with functional additions such as stands, card holders, and compatibility for wireless charging increases the utility of the mobile cases and offer added advantage to the consumers, than just merely protecting their gadgets. For instance, in September 2022, Spigen introduced MagFit Collection which offers multifunctional benefits to the users such as O-Mag Ring which doubles as a kickstand, Rugged Armor MagSafe Wallet to keep cards and ArcHybrid Portable Wireless Charger to keep the device charged.

Thus, mobile and tablet cases, which were once a necessity, increasingly became a fashionable accessory, offering the consumers with a wide range of patterns and materials.

Personalized Mobile and Tablet Cases to Gain Momentum

Demand for customizable mobile and tablet cases is on the rise as consumers seek mobile cases which are different from the once which are flooded in the market. Customizable cases allow users to upload different images, designs, or text, as per their preferences.

The rising trend of gifting culture further enhanced the demand for personalized cases as they are a convenient option which adds a personal touch.

The development in printing technology coupled with the rise in the e-commerce websites and online sellers have made the process easier in terms of making online purchases as well as saving the costs, further augmenting the growth of personalized mobile cases. The ease, coupled with the ability to preview and make any required design changes, enhances the overall shopping experience.

In March 2024, Casenixx announced its launch of personalized phone cases collection. The collection features distinct designs to cater to the various preferences of the consumers to enhance the consumer experience. Ranging from sleek and elegant styles to bold and adventurous designs, from colorful and bright covers to stylish and animated options, they have been customizing as per the preferences of the consumers.

Protection Against Damages to Drive the Market Growth

The mobile and tablet cases are essential for protecting the devices from the physical damages, driving the market growth. The mobile and tablet cases protect against scratches, drops, and water spills as these cases are water resistant, and they have shock absorbing designs such as reinforced corners. The corners and sides of the mobile and tablet cases are designed to protect the screen, reducing the chances of cracks and screen breaks. The water and dust resistance properties of the cases add an additional layer of protection, saving the devices from accidents or environmental situations such as rain which can significantly cause damages to the mobile phones and tablets. Their ability to protect against the damage enables the consumers to save on mobile repair costs, which are enormous in case of some damages and models.

The mobile and tablet cases are designed with improved grip and study materials which eliminate the likelihood of accidental drops and damage to the mobile phones. Thus, the mobile and tablet cases essentially help in the extension of lifespan of the devices, by protecting them from wear and tear due to daily usage, ensuring that they remain functional and visually appealing for a longer period of time.

Apart from offering complete protection to mobile phones and tablets, consumers seek features such as camera protection in cases to avoid any damage. In September 2023, Totallee launched its collection of thin cases for all iPhone 15 models. The case helps in everyday protection, offering an extra layer of protection as it is designed to have raised edges to protect the camera lenses.

Plastic Cases to Dominate the Market

The global mobile and tablet case market is dominated by plastic cases over other material, such as silicone, rubber, wood, and leather. The reason for the dominance is the availability of the material for production. Moreover, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polycarbonate (PU) are widely used to make mobile cases, majorly as it is inexpensive, durable, versatile, and offer ease of cleaning.

Its additional benefits, such as sleekness and lightweight nature which doesn’t add much weight to the phone, make it a popular choice among consumers. Moreover, it is available in various designs and its cases are highly customizable which adds to its universal acceptance and secures a greater market share.

In March 2024, BASF SE announced that its patented bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Elastollan N is now being used for the production of Hamee, Inc.’s smartphone covers. These TPU cases contain 53% of bio-based content and have been optimized with anti-yellowing properties and enhanced UV resistance. The latest range of Hamee, Inc. smartphone cases are to be exhibited at CHINAPLAS 2024.

Asia-Pacific to Hold a Greater Market Share

Countries such as China, India, and Indonesia in Asia-Pacific account to have the highest number of cell phone users, resulting in the region’s dominance. As per the estimates of World Population Review, in 2024, the total number of cell phone users in China was 1.6 billion, in India there were 1.3 billion users, and in Indonesia 385.6 million people were using cell phones. While in other countries such as the United States, there were merely 327.6 million cell phone users in 2024. The demand for mobile phones in the region is higher due to consumers preferring to keep two separate devices for business and personal use, which creates the requirement of mobile accessories, driving the sales of mobile and tablet cases in the market.

Moreover, the tech-savvy and fashion forward population in the region is demanding mobile and tablet cases which support various features such as wireless charging, stylus holder, and water and dust resistance, and unique and customizable designs.

The development of e-commerce infrastructure and digital payments in the region is driving the demand for such mobile accessories, as consumers prefer to make purchases from platforms which offers them wide variety of products at reasonable prices.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The mobile and tablet case market is witnessing expansion due to several reasons. Manufacturers are continuously making innovations in mobile and tablet cases to increase their functionality more than offering protection to mobile phones. Such innovations by the manufacturers include introduction of cases which minimizes EMF cell phone radiation while maintaining the mobile phone’s signal strength. For instance, in February 2024, Atom Studios introduced radiation protection cases for iPhone 15, which reduces the radiation exposure by up to 75%. The case interacts with the mobile phone’s internal antenna, which reshapes the electromagnetic field of phone, redirecting the harmful radiations away from the head and body, appealing to the eco-conscious consumers.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

As the demand for mobile phones is surging, it is fostering the demand for mobile cases as well. These mobile cases are discarded by the users after almost every one to two months, which increases landfills and waste. This has facilitated the key players to introduce sustainable and biodegradable mobile and tablet cases, which minimize landfills and offer natural solutions to consumers.

For instance, in May 2024, Otter Products, LLC launched its ultra-luxe Vegan Leather Symmetry Series Collection phone case which is plant-based. These sustainable mobile cases are made from organic nopal cactus which are harvested sustainably and are completely cruelty-free. For the design of the latest collection for iPhone cases, Otterbox collaborated with premium cactus-based leather alternative maker Desserto.