smartphone market

Canalys figures showed global smartphone shipments contracted by 9 per cent year-on-year in Q3, which it branded the worst third quarter since 2014 while warning of further woes over the next six-to-nine months.

Strategy Analytics tipped global smartphone wholesale revenue to recover in 2021, driven by the easing of Covid-19 (coronavirus) restrictions and greater demand for 5G models.

IDC predicted smartphone shipments would decline 11. 9 per cent to 1. 2 billion units in 2020 as the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic impacts consumer spending, but noted 5G models could prove crucial in reigniting demand.

Samsung halted mobile phone production in China, as it looks to improve efficiency and keep pace with strong competition by local rivals.

China-based smartphone maker Xiaomi aims to bring its smartphones to the US by 2019, targeting a market where fellow Chinese vendor Huawei has struggled.

Apple captured more wholesale smartphone revenue in Q4 2017 than the rest of its rivals combined, even as the industry total climbed to an all-time high of $120. 2 billion, Strategy Analytics announced.

Apple achieved a near 50 per cent share of smartphone sales with the largest US operator Verizon, even before the release of the latest iPhone.