Netflix(US:NFLX) 智通财经网·2025-10-20 01:24Core Insights - Hardware remains the cornerstone of the consumer technology ecosystem in the Middle East and Africa, with smartphones and personal computers being essential for connectivity, streaming, gaming, and transactions [1] - Revenue from hardware is projected to grow from $32.9 billion in 2020 to approximately $41.9 billion by 2027, while media and entertainment spending is expected to nearly double from $18 billion to $36 billion during the same period [1] - The trend of bundling services with devices is becoming increasingly significant, particularly in affluent markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where manufacturers are repositioning devices as experience platforms driven by services [3][6] Hardware and Services Growth - The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) exceeds $20, creating opportunities for service bundling and raising user expectations [1] - By Q2 2025, the Middle East and Africa will account for only 14% of global telecom operators' partnerships with OTT providers, despite a predominance of mobile users [1] - The MENA region's online video market is expected to grow over fivefold by 2029, reaching $8.4 billion, highlighting the need for a shift from subsidy-driven models to sustainable subscription systems [9][15] Ecosystem Collaboration - Telecom operators and retailers play a crucial role as enablers in the ecosystem, using multi-layered service bundles to prevent ARPU decline and reduce churn [8] - Bundled packages, such as those combining Netflix, Anghami Plus, and iCloud storage with flagship devices, provide significant profit margins in high ARPU markets [8] - Retailers are transitioning from hardware sellers to integral parts of the service ecosystem, collaborating with streaming or software providers to enhance value at sales touchpoints [12] User Experience and Market Dynamics - The focus of marketing is shifting from specifications to user experience, exemplified by collaborations like Samsung's foldable phones bundled with streaming services [11] - The competitive landscape in the Middle East and Africa is intense, with many bundles starting as subsidized offers, which can lead to a perception of services as non-essential if not properly converted into sustainable subscriptions [9][15] - The collaboration between manufacturers, telecom operators, and service providers is essential for expanding market scale and achieving long-term value [10][15]