Core Insights - The article highlights the significant growth of the connected car market in South Korea, with a year-on-year increase of 11% in Q2 2025, driven by the accelerated launch of vehicles with built-in cellular connectivity [4][6] - The market is expected to mature, with a forecasted penetration rate of 100% for built-in cellular connectivity by 2030, indicating a stable demand for digital mobility features among consumers [4][6] Market Performance - In Q2 2025, 83% of all connected cars sold in South Korea were equipped with built-in network capabilities, showcasing the strong execution by local automakers [4][6] - Hyundai-Kia Group leads the market with a 60% share, achieving a 12% increase in connected car sales year-on-year, attributed to their continuous digital services across various powertrain models [6][7] Technological Advancements - Currently, approximately 94% of connected cars in South Korea utilize 4G networks, but by 2030, it is anticipated that 88% will transition to 5G, enhancing real-time cloud services and vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication [6][7] - The shift towards 5G is supported by a robust technological environment in South Korea, including comprehensive 5G coverage and government-backed smart mobility policies [7] Competitive Landscape - Hyundai and Kia's connected services platforms, Bluelink and Kia Connect, are widely adopted across electric and fuel vehicles, providing features such as remote access, navigation, and vehicle health monitoring [6][7] - The article emphasizes that the transition from hardware-driven to software-defined vehicles is being accelerated by collaborations between automakers and telecom operators [7]

Core Insights - The smartphone shipment volume in Latin America increased by 4% year-on-year in Q2 2025, supported by price competition and promotional activities despite a challenging economic environment [4][9] - The low base from the previous year also positively impacted the growth rate for this quarter [4] Market Performance - Seasonal factors contributed to a quarter-on-quarter increase in shipments, marking the second-largest sales season of the year in the region [6] - Mother's Day and Father's Day promotions significantly boosted demand in most Latin American countries, except Argentina [6] - Argentina, Chile, and Peru experienced notable growth, with Argentina's shipments doubling due to a low base last year [6] Competitive Landscape - Samsung maintained a leading market share of over 70% in Brazil and Mexico, despite the entry of several Chinese brands [6] - Motorola and Samsung continue to dominate the market, with new entrants facing challenges in brand recognition and capacity building [6] - Xiaomi achieved double-digit year-on-year growth in Q2 2025, solidifying its position in markets like Chile and Colombia [12] 5G Penetration - The 5G penetration rate in Latin America reached 42% in Q2 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 6% [9] - Local consumers prioritize affordability and features like camera quality and storage over 5G technology [6][9] - OPPO leads among Chinese brands in 5G market share, with Apple and Samsung also ranking in the top three [6] Brand Performance - Samsung's shipment volume grew by 8% year-on-year, aided by price reductions and extensive advertising [8][9] - Apple's shipment volume declined by 10% due to weak demand in Brazil and inventory adjustments from Q1 2025 [12] - Motorola's shipments continued to decline, particularly impacted by a nearly 64% drop in the Mexican market [12]

Core Viewpoint - The global smartphone average selling price (ASP) is projected to increase from $370 in 2025 to $412 in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% driven by high-end trends and the adoption of 5G technology [4][6][10]. Market Trends - The global smartphone market is expected to see a 2.5% year-on-year growth in shipments in 2025, an increase from the previous forecast of 1.9% [6]. - The ASP is anticipated to rise by 3.5% to $370 in 2025, influenced by price increases in North America and economic recovery in India and other Asia-Pacific regions [6][10]. - Smartphone revenue is projected to grow nearly 6% year-on-year in 2025, with a long-term CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2029, reaching $564 billion by 2029 [10]. Regional Insights - In North America, the ASP is expected to grow by 7% year-on-year, while in China, it is projected to increase by 3.6%, primarily driven by high-end models [10][11]. - India’s ASP is expected to remain below $250 in 2025 but will gradually rise to $287 by 2029 due to the high-end trend [12]. Brand Performance - Apple is projected to maintain its position as a leader in high-end smartphone ASP, with an expected increase from $919 in 2025 to nearly $1000 by 2029 [10][12]. - Samsung's ASP is expected to remain stable, with flagship models impacting overall ASP but supported by foldable phones and GenAI integration [14]. - Huawei is strengthening its ASP growth in China, driven by its Mate and Pura series, as well as foldable phones [14]. Technology Impact - The introduction of GenAI smartphones is expected to increase the bill of materials (BoM) cost by $40-60 per device, initially raising prices but transitioning to value-driven ASP growth as AI features become more integrated [14][15]. - Foldable smartphones, although currently representing less than 2% of global shipments, are anticipated to elevate consumer perceptions of high-end products [15]. Conclusion - The global smartphone ASP outlook is optimistic, with stabilizing supply chains and diminishing tariff impacts, alongside the proliferation of high-end smartphones, GenAI, and foldable innovations driving gradual ASP increases [15].

Core Insights - The global smartphone market experienced a 3% year-on-year growth in Q2 2025, marking the second consecutive quarter of growth, driven by strong demand for high-end models in North America, Japan, and Europe, while emerging markets saw robust growth in entry-level and low-cost 5G models [8][9][10] Market Highlights - Asia-Pacific remains the largest contributor to global shipments, accounting for over 50% of the total, with Japan showing a notable 12% year-on-year growth due to sustained consumer demand and strong promotions from carriers [8][9] - The Chinese market saw a 2% decline in shipments year-on-year, attributed to weak demand and reduced subsidies [8][9] - India rebounded with a 9% year-on-year growth, supported by a 33% increase in new product launches and strong summer promotions [8][9] - The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region experienced a 3% year-on-year growth, buoyed by easing inflation and strengthening local currencies, which bolstered consumer confidence [8][9] - Latin America and Europe emerged as the fastest-growing regions, each achieving a 4% year-on-year growth due to macroeconomic improvements and OEM expansion [8][9] Brand Performance - Samsung led the global market with a 20% share, a 7% increase year-on-year, driven by the refreshed Galaxy A series and strong performance in key markets [8][9] - Apple ranked second with a 17% market share, experiencing an 11% year-on-year increase, benefiting from strong demand for the iPhone 16 and preemptive purchases in North America due to tariff expectations [8][9] - Xiaomi maintained a third-place position with a 14% market share, showing stable growth supported by strong demand in Central Europe and Latin America, offsetting increased competition in the entry-level market [8][9] - Vivo and OPPO followed closely, with Vivo showing a 9% market share and OPPO at 8%, both benefiting from strong mid-range performance and government subsidy policies in China [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The European smartphone market experienced a 4% year-on-year growth in Q2 2025 after a sluggish Q1, driven by new model releases and promotional activities despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges [4][6]. Market Performance - The European smartphone market saw a 4% increase in shipments in Q2 2025 compared to the same period last year, recovering from earlier declines [4][6]. - Samsung maintained its leading position in the region, although its market share slightly decreased due to strong performances from Apple and Xiaomi with the iPhone 16e and Redmi Note 14 series [4][8]. - Honor emerged as the standout performer, achieving a remarkable 42% year-on-year growth, bolstered by its popular 400 series and Magic 7 series [6][8]. Challenges and Influences - Economic challenges and new EU eco-design regulations limited the entry of entry-level models like the Samsung Galaxy A06, contributing to subdued consumer demand [6][8]. - Despite the market recovery, the overall smartphone shipments in Europe for the first half of 2025 still saw a slight decline year-on-year due to low consumer demand and geopolitical uncertainties [8]. Regional Insights - In Q2 2025, Japan's smartphone shipments grew by 11%, marking the second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [6]. - The Middle East and Africa saw a 3% increase in smartphone shipments, driven by 5G adoption and high-end demand [9]. - The U.S. smartphone sales rose by 9%, with strong performances from the three major carriers [9]. - Conversely, China's smartphone shipments declined by 2% due to weak demand and reduced subsidies [9]. Company Overview - Counterpoint Research specializes in technology market research, providing insights across various sectors including smartphones, semiconductors, and consumer electronics [2][10].

Core Insights - Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm focused on the technology ecosystem, providing comprehensive market data and strategic consulting services across various sectors, including smartphones, AI, and IoT [26]. Market Overview - The global smartphone market data is derived from Counterpoint's report, which forecasts smartphone shipments and average selling prices (ASP) by OEM and region until 2028 [4][8]. - The report includes detailed analysis of smartphone model sales, component trends, and driving factors across different price segments, covering 99% of the global smartphone market [8]. Top-Selling Smartphones - In Q1 2025, Apple iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone for the second consecutive quarter, with the iPhone 16 Pro series following closely [9]. - The iPhone 16e entered the top ten in Q2 2025, driven by strong sales in Japan and the US [9]. - Samsung secured four positions in the top ten, with the Galaxy A16 5G performing particularly well, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra benefiting from extensive marketing around generative AI features [9]. - Xiaomi's Redmi 14C 4G was the only model from the brand in the top ten, showing solid performance in emerging markets like Latin America and the Middle East and Africa [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese smartphone market experienced a 2% year-on-year decline in sales due to significant drops in vivo and Honor's sales, while OPPO and Huawei showed resilience and growth in the mid-range segment [4][7]. Market Performance - In the first eight weeks of Q3 2025, the overall smartphone sales in China decreased by 2%, primarily influenced by the poor performance of vivo and Honor [4][7]. - OPPO achieved the strongest growth due to a well-rounded product lineup, particularly the Reno 14 series, which combines flagship features with mid-range pricing [6][7]. - Huawei maintained positive growth through supply chain optimization and continued focus on the mid-range market, with the Nova 14 series performing well since its launch [6][7]. - Apple and Xiaomi experienced slight declines in sales, with Apple's market share dropping by one percentage point, although the iPhone 16 Pro series showed stable performance [6][7]. Future Outlook - Counterpoint anticipates a slight decline in smartphone sales for Q3 2025, with overall performance for the year expected to remain flat [6][7]. - The average battery capacity of Chinese smartphones is the highest globally, with an 11% year-on-year increase noted in May 2025 [6].

Core Insights - Counterpoint Research is a global market research company focused on the technology ecosystem, providing comprehensive services across various sectors including smartphones, semiconductors, and consumer electronics [5]. Group 1: Apple Insights - Huawei's smartwatch shipments are expected to surpass Apple's for the first time in Q2 2025 [5]. - Cumulative revenue from Apple Watch has exceeded $100 billion since its launch in 2015 [5]. - The global refurbished smartphone market is experiencing a slowdown, while iPhone performance in emerging markets remains strong [5]. - Indian smartphone exports are projected to increase by 35% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in iPhone exports to the US [5]. - Cumulative revenue from AirPods is expected to exceed $100 billion by 2026 [5]. - The True Wireless Stereo (TWS) market is entering a mature phase, with expectations of renewed growth for AirPods by 2027 [5]. - U.S. smartphone sales grew by 9% year-on-year in Q2 2025, with iPhone sales increasing by 10% due to the popularity of the iPhone 16e [5]. - Since the launch of the first iPhone in Q2 2007, Apple's quarterly revenue across product categories has shown significant growth [5]. - Global smartphone revenue has surpassed $100 billion, achieving a historic high, with iPhone market share reaching a record 43% [5]. - Global PC shipment growth accelerated in Q2 2025, with strong performances from Apple, Lenovo, and Asus [5]. - Counterpoint's survey indicates that iPhone Pro users have a higher upgrade frequency compared to non-Pro users, reflecting a "reverse diffusion curve" [5].

Core Viewpoint - Counterpoint Research highlights the upcoming Apple 'Awe Dropping' Event, focusing on product adjustments and market performance, particularly in the smartphone and wearable segments [5][8]. iPhone - Apple plans to adjust its product lineup with the new iPhone series, featuring design changes in the Pro models, an upgrade to the A19 chip, and a 24 million pixel front camera. The non-Pro series will introduce a 120Hz display for the first time [8]. - The new iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus, aiming for a lighter design and potentially a single camera setup, with sales performance anticipated to match that of the 16 Plus [8]. - iPhone shipments are projected to grow by 5% year-on-year by 2025, with Apple maintaining a 62% market share in the high-end segment, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase [8]. Apple Watch & AirPods - After seven consecutive quarters of decline, Apple Watch shipments are expected to return to growth by Q3 2025, with the launch of the 10th anniversary Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3, emphasizing enhanced health features [8]. - A new Watch SE 3 may also be introduced to attract price-sensitive consumers, further expanding the user base [8]. Market Performance - In Q2 2025, Apple's shipment volume in China grew by 1% year-on-year, driven by significant price reductions on the iPhone 16 series, which also impacted Huawei's market share in the high-end segment [9]. - Globally, Apple held a 17% market share with an 11% year-on-year growth, ranking first among the top five brands, supported by strong demand for the iPhone 16 and preemptive shipments in North America ahead of expected tariffs [11]. - In Q1 2025, Apple's global revenue increased by 5% to $95.3 billion, driven by hardware (up 3%) and services (up 12%), marking the fourth consecutive quarter of synchronized growth in both categories [13]. Regional Insights - In Q1 2025, Apple's smartphone shipments grew by 12% year-on-year, the highest among the top five brands, fueled by strong performance in North America, Japan, and India, along with the release of the iPhone 16e [16]. - In India, Apple saw a 29% year-on-year increase in shipments, supported by deeper penetration into second and third-tier cities and local manufacturing and R&D investments [21]. - North American shipments rose by 21% year-on-year, with the iPhone 16e enhancing mid-tier appeal and helping Apple maintain momentum despite tariff concerns [21].

Core Insights - The global high-end smartphone market saw an 8% year-on-year growth in the first half of 2025, marking the highest record for this period [4][5] - The high-end segment contributed over 60% of global smartphone revenue, highlighting its strategic importance [5] - Apple remains the largest brand in the high-end market with a 62% share, although its market share has slightly declined due to faster growth from other OEMs [5][9] Market Trends - The trend of "premiumization" is becoming increasingly evident across various regions, driven by enhanced consumer engagement and affordability [5] - The top ten high-end markets accounted for nearly 80% of sales, with India being the fastest-growing market at 37% year-on-year [9][10] - Foldable smartphones are emerging as a niche but growing category, with Apple expected to enter this market in 2026 [10] Brand Performance - Xiaomi has significantly improved its position in the high-end segment, with a 55% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by its performance in China [9][10] - Google has re-entered the top five high-end smartphone brands after five years, with its Pixel 9 series seeing a doubling in sales [9][10] - Samsung achieved a 7% year-on-year growth, supported by the performance of its S25 series [9][10] Technological Innovations - Devices with generative AI capabilities accounted for over 80% of high-end smartphone sales in the first half of 2025, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards AI ecosystems [10]