1 in 3 POS terminals to be mobile by 2021

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Jun 8, 201612:08 AM

In this article (5)

Smartphone and tablet-based mobile point-of sale (POS) terminals will handle 40% of all retail transaction value by 2021, up from an expected 12% in 2016, a new study from Juniper Research showed.

The research firm forecasts that the use of mPOS systems will account for more than 1 in 3 POS terminals by 2021, driven by larger retailers adopting mPOS as part of an array of point-of-sale options.

The new research, “Worldwide mPOS Markets: Devices, Technologies & Growth Opportunities 2016-2021,” found that mPOS will enable retailers to ‘queue bust’ in stores, reducing lines and developing more targeted and situational campaigns as well as offering automatic ordering systems in restaurants.

“We are seeing several vendors tailor their software to the needs of specific industries, integrating mPOS capabilities as part of broader cloud-based business software,” commented research author James Moar.

“These additional services can then make use of the sales data directly to manage inventory, monitor staff performance and other functions, which can all add more value to a business and justify a higher margin.”

The research has also found that mPOS is enabling smaller merchants in emerging markets, particularly across India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, to accept card payments and grow their businesses. Much of the growth in these regions being supplied mostly by local vendors, such as Banamex, Digio, PagSeguroand

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What this means

This rapid mPOS adoption, projected to account for over one in three POS terminals by 2021, significantly pressures traditional payment infrastructure providers and retailers resistant to digital transformation. While Jollibee's investment in Compose Coffee shows a clear trend towards digital integration in Asia, the widespread shift to mPOS allows businesses, particularly smaller merchants in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, to accept card payments efficiently. The move enables improved inventory management and staff performance monitoring. The commercial risk for non-adopters is reduced operational efficiency and missed sales opportunities. Watch how vendors refine industry-specific mPOS solutions using sales data for broader business intelligence.

Sarah Chen · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the projected value of retail transactions that mobile POS systems will handle by 2021?

By 2021, smartphone and tablet-based mobile point-of-sale terminals are expected to handle 40% of all retail transaction value. This is a significant increase from the 12% anticipated for 2016, as highlighted in the Juniper Research study.

Which specific benefits do retailers gain from adopting mPOS systems, according to the research?

Retailers can use mPOS systems to 'queue bust' in stores, reducing customer waiting times. The technology also enables more targeted and situational campaigns, and allows for automatic ordering systems, particularly useful in restaurants, enhancing operational efficiency.

How are mPOS capabilities being integrated into broader business software, and what advantages does this offer?

Vendors are tailoring software to specific industry needs, integrating mPOS capabilities into broader cloud-based business software. This integration allows sales data to be used directly for inventory management, staff performance monitoring, and other functions, adding value to a business.

What impact is mPOS having on smaller merchants, especially in emerging markets?

mPOS is enabling smaller merchants in emerging markets, including India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, to accept card payments. This capability helps them grow their businesses, with local vendors predominantly supplying the growth in these regions.

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