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Marking a major milestone in internet use, mobile browsing has surpassed desktop for the first time. In October, mobile devices accounted for 51.3 percent of global internet usage, while desktops made up 48.7 percent.
This long-term shift has benefited companies closely tied to mobile platforms, such as Apple and Google, while firms that remained focused on desktop environments have seen their influence diminish. Web analytics firm StatCounter compiled the figures and illustrated the trend in a chart that shows desktop use declining steadily since 2009 as mobile climbs.
Aodhan Cullen, CEO of StatCounter, said this should be a wake-up call for small businesses, sole traders and professionals to ensure their websites are mobile friendly, since many older sites are not optimized for mobile devices.
Mobile compatibility matters not only because of rising traffic but also because search engines increasingly favour mobile-friendly sites in mobile search results. Google has introduced tools that let businesses test how their sites perform on mobile devices, helping owners identify and fix issues that could harm visibility and user experience.
While desktop usage still dominates in established markets such as the UK and the USA, inexpensive smartphones are bringing first-time internet users online across emerging markets. That influx is pushing global mobile usage above desktop, and even in mature markets the trend shows desktop declining and mobile rising.
Cullen also warned that following Brexit, UK businesses looking to expand into growing overseas markets should expect a greater share of customers to arrive via mobile devices and should plan their online presence accordingly.
Country-level breakdowns and monthly comparisons are available from StatCounter for those who want to explore the data in more detail.
What do you think about the shift in how people access the internet? Share your thoughts in the comments.