Group 1 - A survey conducted at the end of last year revealed that nearly 90% of Samsung users are dissatisfied with the AI features on their phones, finding them largely unhelpful [1][2] - Samsung is in discussions with companies like OpenAI and Perplexity AI to integrate more AI services into its upcoming Galaxy smartphones, moving beyond reliance on Google's Gemini [1][3] - The survey included over 2,000 smartphone users, with 87% of Samsung Galaxy users stating that the new AI features provide "little value" or "almost no value" to their mobile experience [1] Group 2 - Among Samsung Galaxy users who have AI-enabled phones, less than half (46.9%) reported using the Galaxy AI features, while 53.1% indicated they have not used them [2] - Samsung's mobile division president, Choi Won-joon, announced plans to offer more AI functionality in the upcoming Galaxy S26 series, expressing openness to integrating competitive AI technologies [3] - Samsung is reportedly close to finalizing an investment agreement with Perplexity and plans to incorporate its applications and assistants into future devices [3]

Core Viewpoint - The recent legal victory of Samsung over BOE in a trade secret lawsuit highlights the vulnerabilities in Apple's supply chain, particularly regarding its reliance on Samsung for OLED technology and components [1][2][4]. Group 1: Impact on Apple's Supply Chain - Samsung's legal win against BOE could lead to a ban on certain OLED products, which directly threatens Apple's supply chain stability [1][3]. - Apple has increasingly relied on Samsung for critical components, including OLED panels for its upcoming foldable iPhone, effectively placing its supply chain in a precarious position [2][9]. - The situation exemplifies a "supply chain hostage" scenario, where Apple's dependency on Samsung for key technologies limits its negotiating power [5][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - Samsung remains the leading player in the global smartphone market, with a shipment of 58 million units in Q2 2025, representing a market share of 19.7%, while Apple shipped 46.4 million units, holding a 15.7% market share [7][8]. - The competitive landscape is further complicated by Samsung's dual role as both a supplier and a competitor to Apple, which intensifies the strategic challenges for Apple [6][12]. - Analysts estimate that if BOE is completely banned, Samsung's share of OLED supply for Apple could increase by 15%, further consolidating its dominant position [13]. Group 3: Strategic Challenges for Apple - Apple's decision to abandon its in-house foldable screen hinge technology in favor of Samsung's solution underscores its vulnerability and the challenges it faces in maintaining a diversified supply chain [4][9]. - The high pricing strategy for Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, potentially exceeding $2000, poses risks in market acceptance, especially as competitors lower their prices [15][16]. - The rapid decline in average prices for foldable smartphones in the Android ecosystem, dropping by 18% annually, adds pressure on Apple's pricing strategy and overall market positioning [15][16].

Core Insights - Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold6, which is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, as part of its strategy to compete with Chinese rivals in the foldable smartphone market [1][4] - The importance of slim foldable designs has increased, as consumers are less willing to accept thicker and heavier devices for the benefits of a folding phone [2][6] - Chinese competitors like Honor and Oppo have successfully differentiated themselves with thinner and lighter foldable devices, prompting Samsung to enhance its offerings [3][5] Company Developments - Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold6 measures 12.1 millimeters thick and weighs 239 grams, while competitors like Oppo's Find N5 and Honor's Magic V3 are significantly thinner and lighter [3] - The upcoming launch of a new thinner version of Samsung's flagship foldable smartphone is expected to take place next month, indicating the company's commitment to improving its foldable lineup [1][4] - Honor is also set to launch its latest folding phone, the Magic V5, on July 2 in China, intensifying competition in the foldable market [4] Market Trends - The foldable smartphone market is projected to account for only 2% of the overall smartphone market this year, highlighting the challenges in consumer adoption [6] - Analysts suggest that thinner foldables may attract consumer interest and encourage a shift in preferences towards folding devices [6] - Despite advancements, there remains skepticism about the necessity of foldable devices among consumers, which could hinder market growth [7]