Latest news with #FranciscoJeronimo
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
AI-powered strategy helps Samsung retake lead from Apple in Q1 2025 smartphone market: IDC Report
The global smartphone market saw modest year-on-year growth of 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with total shipments reaching 301.4 million units, according to the latest figures from the International Data Corporation (IDC). Amid a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty between the United States and China, Samsung reclaimed its position as the world's leading smartphone vendor, edging past Apple thanks to its AI-integrated product portfolio. Samsung shipped 60.6 million units during the quarter, maintaining a 20.1 per cent market share, a slight increase of 0.6 per cent compared to Q1 2024. The South Korean tech giant's renewed dominance was fuelled by the strong performance of its flagship Galaxy S25 and the more affordable Galaxy A36 and A56, which brought advanced AI features to the mid-range segment. 'Samsung's focus on embedding AI capabilities across its product range — not just in premium models but in accessible mid-tier devices - has resonated with consumers, particularly in cost-sensitive markets,' said Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of Client Devices at IDC. 'This broad AI strategy has given Samsung a crucial competitive edge at a time when market dynamics are shifting rapidly.' Apple, meanwhile, posted its best-ever Q1 in terms of units shipped, delivering 58.7 million iPhones, an 11.6 per cent increase year-on-year. This impressive growth was largely driven by an aggressive stockpiling strategy ahead of anticipated U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, as well as robust demand in several international markets. Despite this, Apple narrowly missed out on the top spot and faced headwinds in China, where its Pro models did not benefit from a government subsidy scheme targeting devices under CNY6,000 (approx. $820). 'The U.S. market grew by 8.3 per cent in Q1, reflecting strong consumer demand and urgency to purchase ahead of potential price increases,' noted Anthony Scarsella, IDC's Research Director for Client Devices. 'Apple capitalised on this moment well, but ongoing volatility in trade policy makes sustained momentum uncertain.' Chinese brands also made notable gains, particularly within their domestic market. Xiaomi and Vivo benefitted significantly from a state-backed subsidy scheme aimed at boosting consumption. Xiaomi shipped 41.8 million units (up 2.4 per cent), while Vivo saw a 6.5 per cent increase, reaching 22.7 million units. OPPO, despite regaining fourth place, experienced a decline of 6.6 per cent due to weaker international performance. The IDC report also revealed a shrinking share for smaller vendors grouped under the 'Others' category, whose collective shipments dropped 6.1 per cent year-on-year, indicating continued consolidation among the top players. 'Looking ahead, vendors will need to balance innovation, affordability, and geopolitical risk in order to sustain growth,' concluded Jeronimo. 'Samsung's current lead highlights how strategic product development, especially around emerging technologies like AI, can shape market leadership even in uncertain times.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Classic Apple': Why Apple is taking the slow road with AI
Apple (AAPL) hosted its annual WWDC event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters on Monday, showing off a variety of improvements across its software offerings, including completely overhauled versions of the operating systems that power its devices. It was a jam-packed show, but one thing Apple didn't provide was a big, splashy AI announcement like its Big Tech peers Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOG, GOOGL) showed at their respective developer conferences last month. Wall Street is keen on seeing Apple prove it has what it takes to compete in the AI race, and a showstopping debut, like its highly anticipated generative AI-powered Siri, could have done just that. Instead, Apple said it is opening up its AI software to its army of developers and served up a number of smaller AI features that augment existing apps and platforms with new, helpful capabilities. And though that might not be the huge blowout news some investors were hoping for, the company's slower, more focused approach to AI could prove to be its best weapon in the AI fight. "Apple's AI strategy, as showcased, leans more towards systemic integration and developer empowerment rather than delivering groundbreaking consumer-facing AI functionalities that have captured market attention," IDC vice president Francisco Jeronimo wrote in a statement. "While this carries the risk of competitors moving faster, it also delineates a potential pathway for Apple to offer differentiated value, likely centered on its traditional pillars of privacy and seamless integration. This is a classic Apple modus operandi," Jeronimo added. Perhaps the most important AI announcement at WWDC was the news that Apple is opening up its on-device language models to third-party developers. While this might not sound all that interesting in and of itself, the move could pay significant dividends in the future. Apple's decision to give its roughly 30 million developers access to its language models is "somewhat akin to a modernized App Store moment," Morgan Stanley's Erik Woodring said. When Apple launched its App Store in 2008, it kicked off a massive explosion in app development that upended everything from delivery and transportation services to e-commerce and social media. It also gave Apple a fresh revenue stream via commissions on in-app purchases. Opening its AI models to developers could likewise help spur developers to create new software options that go well beyond what Apple could produce on its own, driving the development of apps and services that could eventually become household names. Providing access to Apple's on-device models has the additional benefit of saving developers money, since they don't have to pay to access cloud-based AI models. It also ensures users' privacy by keeping their data on their iPhones, iPads, and Macs. "This move to empower developers is strategically important, as it allows Apple to leverage its vast developer community to infuse the ecosystem with AI capabilities and more specialized AI applications while driving innovation," IDC's Jeronimo wrote. Apple's AI updates aimed to be more helpful than the broader Apple Intelligence unveiling at last year's WWDC. They also help put Apple on par with some of Google and Samsung's own AI capabilities. For instance, Apple will now offer live real-time translation across its Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps. Apple says translated voices will mimic the sound of a person's natural voice. So, if someone on the other end of the line speaks Spanish, and Apple Intelligence is translating it to English, the English translation will sound similar to how the Spanish speaker would sound if they were speaking English. Apple also upgraded Visual Intelligence, the company's visual search app, with the ability to understand content on your device's screen and search for more information about it online using Google, ChatGPT, or other third-party apps. Apple similarly added AI capabilities to its Reminders app and introduced a generative AI-powered fitness coach to the Apple Watch's Workout app to help keep you hustling. The moves, though not revolutionary, help Apple bolster its AI capabilities, ensuring it doesn't fall further behind its competitors. Such iterative improvements will also add up over time as developers integrate AI deeper into apps and services and make it less of a singular product like ChatGPT or Google's Gemini and more of a holistic feature of Apple's operating systems that fades into the background. And that could be just the approach the company needs to take to win out in the AI race. Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@ Follow him on X/Twitter at @DanielHowley. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
IDC: Apple playing it safe on software
Francisco Jeronimo, VP, Data and Analytics from IDC EMEA, joins CNBC's Dan Murphy on Access Middle East to discuss key takeaways from Apple's WWDC 2025.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Worldwide Smartphone Market Grew 1.5% in Q1 2025, Amid On-going US-China Trade Tension, according to IDC
Despite the Positive Performance in 1Q2025, the Current US-China Trade War and Tariff Volatility Create a Strong Reason for Concern in 2025 NEEDHAM, Mass., April 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone shipments increased 1.5% year-over-year (YoY) to 304.9 million units in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25). The smartphone market performed in line with IDC forecasts, as manufacturers ramped up production in anticipation of the expected announcement by the U.S. Administration on tariffs on China imports. "Faced with heightened geopolitical uncertainty and the looming threat of substantial U.S. tariff hikes on goods imported from China, vendors strategically accelerated production schedules and pulled forward significant shipment volumes, particularly into the critical US market, during Q1 2025," said Francisco Jeronimo, vice president, Client Devices, IDC. "This supply-side surge, aimed at mitigating potential cost increases and disruptions, effectively inflated Q1 shipment figures beyond levels anticipated based on underlying consumer demand trends alone." "The recent exemption by the U.S. government pausing smartphone import tariffs from China offers temporary relief for U.S. companies, but heavy reliance on China's supply chain persists amid ongoing tariff volatility, making future planning challenging and leaving many companies with important decisions with high levels of uncertainty," said Ryan Reith, group vice president, worldwide device trackers, IDC. "Right now, the focus for U.S. smartphone brands should be taking advantage of the exemption by building and shipping as much as possible. The other side of this equation is the possibility that economic uncertainty may dampen consumer demand in the coming months." "The U.S. smartphone market experienced growth of more than 5%, despite challenges from tariffs and trade wars affecting disposable income," said Anthony Scarsella, research director for Client Devices, IDC. "The growth in 1Q25 was fueled by rising consumer interest in the latest models from top manufacturers, along with a sense of urgency to buy before potential price increases," added Scarsella. "Additionally, the recently announced 90-day pause on smartphone tariffs could further enhance sales in Q2, as consumers might seize the opportunity to purchase before the possible reintroduction of tariffs that could drive prices up." Globally, last quarter saw growth among top smartphone vendors, particularly the Chinese vendors in the home market, bolstered by the subsidies from the Chinese government launched last year, but extended to smartphones in January 2025. The subsidy program, which aims to stimulate consumption, targets products priced below CNY6,000 ($820), representing most sales among Chinese vendors. Among the top vendors: Samsung regained its market leadership, driven by the continuous success of its Galaxy S25 premium device and the Galaxy A series in the mid-range, particularly the latest Galaxy A36 and A56, offering AI at more affordable prices. Apple had the best Q1 ever in terms of units shipped, stockpiling to avoid the U.S. tariffs, but also to other regions, as the channels fear that supply chain disruption could lead to a shortage of stock and price increases. Its performance in China declined, as Apple's Pro models were exempt from the Chinese government subsidy program. Xiaomi's performance was mainly driven by its growth in China due to the subsidies from the Chinese government, which positively impacted the sales of its mid-range products. OPPO regained its 4th position despite the decline in shipments driven by a weaker performance in the international markets, which was not offset by the growth in China. Vivo experienced substantial growth of 6.3% year-on-year, driven by the subsidies in China, but also the growth in the international markets, with strong performance from low-end devices and the V series. Top 5 Companies, Worldwide Smartphone Shipments, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2025 (Preliminary results, shipments in millions of units) Company 1Q25 Shipments 1Q25 Market Share 1Q24 Shipments 1Q24 Market Share 1Q25/1Q24 Growth 1. Samsung 60.6 19.9% 60.2 20.1% 0.6% 2. Apple 57.9 19.0% 52.6 17.5% 10.0% 3. Xiaomi 41.8 13.7% 40.8 13.6% 2.5% 4. OPPO 23.5 7.7% 25.2 8.4% -6.8% 5. vivo 22.7 7.4% 21.3 7.1% 6.3% Others 98.4 32.3% 100.1 33.3% -1.7% Total 304.9 100.0% 300.3 100.0% 1.5% Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, April 14, 2025 Table Notes: Data are preliminary and subject to change. Company shipments are branded device shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors. The "Company" represents the current parent company (or holding company) for all brands owned and operated as a subsidiary. Figures represent new shipments only and exclude refurbished units. About IDC Trackers IDC Tracker products provide accurate and timely market size, vendor share, and forecasts for hundreds of technology markets from more than 100 countries around the globe. Using proprietary tools and research processes, IDC's Trackers are updated on a semiannual, quarterly, and monthly basis. Tracker results are delivered to clients in user-friendly Excel deliverables and on-line query tools. For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, please contact Jackie Kliem at 508-988-7984 and jkliem@ Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View source version on Contacts Escalate PR for IDCjennifer@ Francisco Jeronimofjeronimo@ +44 77 9630 1919Ryan Reithrreith@ +1 508-935-4301Anthony Scarsellaascarsella@ +1 508-308-3301 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Yahoo
iPhones Get Their First-Ever Porn App, and Apple Is Not Happy
Apple has had no choice but to approve a pornography app for the first time ever, thanks to an overhaul of app store rules in Europe. But it wants you to know it's not happy about it. The issue isn't just the prurient content. Apple says the door has been opened to easier access for malware. "We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids," said an Apple spokesperson in a statement. "This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem that we have worked for more than a decade to make the best in the world." The app, Hot Tub, is not available on Apple's own iOS App Store, but can be downloaded via the third-party AltStore, which can only be accessed on iPhones in Europe. Following the introduction of the Digital Markets Act, the EU demanded last January that Apple open up its famously closed iOS ecosystem to allow iPhone owners access to alternative app stores and apps. AltStore launched on iOS three months later, allowing iPhone users in Europe access to a third-party app store for the first time ever, and initially required a subscription fee. That was until Epic Games, one of the companies that has fought Apple on its app store rules over the years, provided AltStore with a grant to offset the costs of providing its alternative shop front on iOS. One of the apps now available is Hot Tub, which features content from the controversial site Porn Hub. Apple approved the Hot Tub app (it has no other choice, according to EU rules), but the company really wants you to know that it does not actually endorse it -- a crucial difference that both Hot Tub and AltStore have not made clear in their marketing materials. "Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store," said the Apple spokesperson. "The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety." Apple is right to be concerned about its reputation among iPhone users, says IDC analyst and vice president of devices Francisco Jeronimo. Beyond the risk of children being able to easily access porn, there is a wider safety risk posed by apps that aren't subject to the same level of rigorous scrutiny Apple uses to determine which apps should be allowed on its own App Store. This opens them up to the risk of malware finding their way onto iPhones -- a threat that Apple has long been able to minimize by maintaining control over the iOS app ecosystem. People whose iPhones end up riddled with malware are unlikely to know or even care whose fault it is, and point the finger at Apple, says Jeronimo. The company's challenge, and its stated priority, is to try to keep users as safe as possible while implementing the changes demanded by European regulators. It's a tricky tightrope for the company to walk. "What we are seeing, and what we will see is that at the end of the day, that regulation will put consumers at risk," said Jeronimo. The European Commission has long talked a big game about its motivation for cracking down on big US tech companies primarily being to improve the experience for European consumers. The benefit of third-party app stores is that they'll supposedly increase consumer choice, but many, including Apple, believe the associated safety risks aren't worth the trade-off. "There's absolutely no benefit, apart from a few companies that will distribute their apps and gain some business," said Jeronimo. The arrival of Hot Tub on the AltStore is just the tip of the iceberg. It's inevitable that more such apps, which may pose a variety of problems and risks, will follow.
