Phones
Is China becoming no-go zone for Apple after Samsung
Apple is experiencing a Samsung-like fate in China. Despite bringing huge discounts, iPhone sales continue to decline in the world’s biggest smartphone market. Is China becoming a no-go zone for non-Chinese tech giants such as Apple and Samsung?
The iPhone maker announced exciting discounts in the Chinese smartphone market. However, the company’s shipments declined in the second quarter of the year given the intensifying competition with local companies including Huawei.
Huawei’s ban led Samsung to face a severe drop in the Chinese market. The local government pushed China-based brands to evolve further. Citizens also supported the local brands even after having tech giants like Samsung and Apple.
While Samsung’s market has almost died, things are also tough for Apple. Market research firm Canalys recently reported that the Apple iPhone shipments totaled 9.7 million, down 6.7% from 10.4 million in the same period last year.
Huawei’s shipments during the same period increased by 41% year-on-year to 10.6 million units. It seems that the sales volume increased due to the popularity of the company’s newly released smartphones under the Pura 70 series.
China’s smartphone shipments rose 10% in the second quarter. Vivo came in first with 19%, Oppo second with 16%, and Honor and Huawei third with 15% each. As a result, Apple’s ranking in the Chinese smartphone market fell from 3rd to 6th.
Industry experts believe that Huawei will enjoy strong sales for the rest of the year. TechInsights predicted that Huawei’s total shipments will exceed 50 million units this year, with 10 million of them being the Pura 70 series.
HarmonyOS Next aims to completely ditch Android from its mobile segment. It shows Huawei has no desire to readopt the Android operating system. Chinese vendors are also innovating technologies to develop mobile semiconductors.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra design will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, a trusted source leaked the design dimensions of the next Samsung Ultra. The input suggests S25 Ultra will be the thinnest Ultra model in years.
IceUniverse disclosed the design dimensions of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The dimensions could measure 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm. For your information, the dimensions of the Galaxy S24 Ultra are 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm.
Galaxy S Ultra models have always been known for their design, and Samsung’s S25 Ultra is no exception. As the possible dimensions floated, we now have a closer look and compare it to previous models in the series.
Samsung’s upcoming S25 Ultra could be slightly smaller than the S24 Ultra, measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm. This strategic design decision will be making the phone more comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
Here is a list comparing the dimensions of the S25 Ultra to previous models:
- Galaxy S20 Ultra 166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
- Galaxy S22 Ultra 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm
- Galaxy S23 Ultra 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
- Galaxy S24 Ultra 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm
- Galaxy S25 Ultra 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm
Galaxy S24 Ultra ditched the conventional curved design approach. Therefore, the S25 Ultra will surely debut a flat display. Overall, the upcoming smartphone will be a sleek and stylish device that is sure to turn heads.
Despite reducing thickness, the S25 Ultra will continue to boast S Pen with a dedicated silo. The battery will also feature a 5000mAh capacity, supporting 45W fast charging. The camera department is also getting upgraded with two new sensors.
Apple iPhone 16 uses ARM V9 chip architecture, eyeing AI market, FT reports. The new iPhone models are said to use next-generation chip based on Arm’s latest design architecture to adapt features derived from artificial intelligence.
The Cupertino-based tech giant is scheduled to launch the iPhone 16 on Monday, September 9. iPhone 16’s Pro and Pro Max variants will use new A18 chipset. The company is reportedly opting for SoftBank-owned ARM’s new V9 chip design.
It’s worth noting that Apple uses ARM V9 architecture in M4 processors for MacBook. Google and Samsung aggressively innovating the mobile AI segment. Both companies continue to ship their flagship phones with new AI tricks and features.
Apple is facing multi-sided heat, with the Chinese market continuing to decline. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series also secured impressive response pushed by AI capabilities. The iPhone maker doesn’t want to lag behind its rivals in the AI Phone market.
Apple Intelligence
iPhones getting on-device AI features given Apple’s partnership with OpenAI. There were rumors that Google is in contact to debut Gemini AI on iPhones. However, the deal hasn’t been finalized due to unforeseen reasons.
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s answer to Samsung’s Galaxy AI. The suite of AI features includes a smarter Siri, custom emoji generation, and AI-based photo editing capabilities, as well as a partnership with OpenAI fo free free ChatGPT access.
The US tech giant solidified its software end with an OpenAI partnership. Now, the hardware upgrade by ARM V9 will further improve AI experience on iPhone 16. We will hear more about hardware upgrades during It’s Glowtime event on Monday.
Huawei is all set to launch the world’s first tri-fold foldable smartphone. The company just dropped a bombing teaser, confirming its mega launch event. This massive development comes when Samsung stalls and Apple remains foldable-free.
Samsung showcased tri-fold screen prototype devices on many occasions. It was expected to debut the world’s first triple-screen foldable smartphone. However, Huawei is all set to attain this crown beating Samsung and other vendors.
Huawei confirmed its next hardware launch event taking place on September 10. It’s right a day after Apple’s iPhone 16 unveiling scheduled for September 9. Tri-fold could significantly harm Apple’s presence in the Chinese market.
In addition, Huawei Consumer Business Group Chairman – Yu Chengdong said the company’s most leading, innovative, and disruptive product is coming.
“After 5 years of persistence and investment, we have turned science fiction into reality. Please look forward to Huawei’s pinnacle work!”
Tri-fold concept previously showcased a device having screens on three sides. The phone will have two hinges, allowing users to expand all three displays. The current foldable features a single hinge in the middle, offering a tablet-like screen size.
Beyond that, the tri-fold phone would offer an even larger screen in a more portable size. Software-derived features could further enhance usability, with one panel being used as a keyboard and others as screen and standing support.
Durability still remains the main concern in this kind of innovative device. Foldable phones launched by Samsung and Huawei are gradually entering the mainstream. However, consumers still refrain from preferring foldable as their next upgrade.
Huawei’s tri-fold could remain a China-exclusive product. Samsung may also come up with its tri-fold handset in the near future. The Display department has worked enough on the panel, but the Mobile division hasn’t yet approved development.