BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda Hints at Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
Trump Urges Iran to Sign Nuclear Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict and Port Blockade 
Trump Signals Prolonged Blockade Strategy Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Fed Holds Rates, Oil Prices Surge, and Big Tech Earnings Drive Market Moves 
Gold Prices Dip Ahead of Fed Decision Amid Rising Middle East Tensions 
Gold Prices Fall as Strong Dollar and Rising Oil Prices Pressure Markets 
Dollar Strengthens as US-Iran Tensions and Central Bank Decisions Drive Currency Markets 
Dollar Holds Near Two-Week High as Fed Hawkish Shift Lifts Yields, Yen Near Intervention Zone 
US-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Oil Blockade and Rising Global Tensions 
Ukraine Faces Pressure to Introduce VAT on Low-Value Imports to Secure IMF Funding 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Decision, Iran Tensions, and Inflation Data Weigh on Sentiment 
European Stocks Slip as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Earnings Season Weigh on Markets 
China’s Ultra-Cheap EV Boom: Why Electric Cars Cost Far Less Than in the U.S. 
China Factory Activity Extends Growth in April Despite Global Pressures 
Gold Prices Drop Amid Iran War Concerns, Rising Oil Costs, and Hawkish Central Bank Signals 
Oil Prices Slip Amid UAE’s OPEC Exit and Ongoing Iran Conflict Concerns 
China Manufacturing PMI Beats Forecasts in April Amid Weak Domestic Demand 
Global smartphone shipments recorded a modest 2% year-on-year increase in 2025, signaling a gradual recovery for the mobile industry, according to a report released by Counterpoint Research. The growth was largely fueled by stronger consumer demand and improving economic conditions in emerging markets, which helped offset softer performance in more mature regions. As inflationary pressures eased in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, smartphone upgrades and first-time purchases contributed positively to overall shipment volumes.
Apple emerged as the clear market leader in 2025, capturing a 20% share among the world’s top five smartphone brands. The company benefited from solid demand across emerging and mid-sized markets, along with strong global sales of the iPhone 17 series. Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra noted that Apple’s expanding retail presence, financing options, and ecosystem-driven loyalty played a key role in sustaining its leadership position throughout the year.
Samsung ranked second with a 19% market share, posting modest shipment growth despite intense competition and slower replacement cycles in developed markets. Xiaomi secured third place with a 13% share, supported by consistent demand in price-sensitive emerging markets where its value-focused smartphones remain highly competitive. Other manufacturers continued to rely heavily on emerging economies to drive volumes amid cautious consumer spending elsewhere.
The report also highlighted that several smartphone manufacturers increased shipments early in 2025 to mitigate the potential impact of tariffs. However, this front-loading strategy gradually lost momentum, and by the second half of the year, shipment volumes were largely unaffected by tariff-related concerns.
Looking ahead, Counterpoint Research warned that the global smartphone market could face renewed pressure in 2026. Research director Tarun Pathak pointed to potential chip shortages and rising component costs as major risks, as semiconductor manufacturers increasingly prioritize AI data centers over smartphone production. This shift could constrain supply, increase prices, and dampen overall smartphone demand next year, potentially slowing the industry’s recovery trajectory.
