Fears ‘powerhouse' phone brand to VANISH as all models suddenly out of stock in UK after 33 years

Scottish Sun

15-07-2025

Bosses have reportedly said they are withdrawing from one country - and the rest of Europe could follow next
BAD SIGNAL Fears 'powerhouse' phone brand to VANISH as all models suddenly out of stock in UK after 33 years
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A MAJOR mobile brand has quietly made all its devices out of stock prompting fears the firm could withdraw from the phone business after 35 years.
Many big names that were popular in the early 2000s have been decimated by the popularity of iPhone and Samsung, as well as cheaper rivals.
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Forgotten mobile brands have lagged behind iPhone and Android
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Fears Sony could follow LG and pull out entirely
Credit: AFP
And Sony Mobile could be the next to bow out.
The company made waves with Sony Ericsson handsets which helped make it a "powerhouse" in the mobile scene.
Sony has continued to make Xperia smartphones, which have even won awards as recent as last year.
But its market share is reported to be less than one per cent in multiple regions across the world.
All the company's current smartphones are marketed as "out of stock" on Sony's website, fuelling speculation of a mobile exit.
A Finnish news website reported that the company is leaving Finland and claims it plans to withdraw from Europe too.
Experts told The Sun that the writing has been on the wall for some time.
"It seems that the company is retrenching from some markets given the ongoing challenges in the handset business and changing market dynamics," said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst from PP Foresight.
"Once a powerhouse, it was one of the few companies to boast a strong a presence in consumer electronics glass-to-glass from content creation with professional cameras through to smartphones and TVs.
"Ultimately with lacklustre sales, stepping back makes sense given the competitive nature of the industry.
Android users warned as major brand shuts down phone business
"However, the company under Sony still seems to remain committed to smartphones under its premium brand which resonates in other markets.
"Moving forward it will still be faced with tough decisions on whether pulling the plug should be made as it currently pivots towards a leaner and more agile business model.
"There's also pride at stake for a company that is rich in consumer electronics."
LG withdrew from the smartphone industry in 2021 and only recently put out its final software update to existing handset owners.
The Sun has approached Sony for comment.
END OF AN ERA?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It's not looking good for Sony Mobile.
If all the signs do point toward a withdrawal from the UK and beyond, this will be the end of some 33 years in the mobile business.
The Japanese tech giant's first commercially available mobile phone, nicked named the "Mars Bar", was released way back in 1992.
Most people will think of Sony Ericsson as the firm's mobile heyday, with some featuring branding from its iconic Walkman too.
At its peak, Sony Ericsson is reported to have had a 9 per cent market share globally.
Most people had forgotten that Sony even made mobiles, so it would be no surprise if the company gave up now.
Of course, Sony has other more successful electronic ventures to focus on instead, such as headphones, cameras, TV and of course PlayStation.
MOST POPULAR MOBILE BRANDS
Samsung holds the crown for top mobile manufacturer based on shipments.
The company sold an estimated 60.6million units in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from IDC.
That's a 20.1 per cent share, meaning one in five smartphones are made by Samsung.
Apple follows very closely behind in second, with a 19.5 per cent share.
See the full list below:
Samsung - 20.1 per cent
Apple - 19.5 per cent
Xiaomi - 13.9 per cent
OPPO - 7.8 per cent
Vivo - 7.5 per cent
Others - 31.2 per cent