Global smartphone shipments rose in the third quarter, driven by a surge of AI‑powered upgrades from major makers.
In the June‑August period, analysts say the world sold about 278 million phones—up roughly 2 % from the same month last year and a 9 % jump from the previous quarter. That growth is the fastest in 13 quarters for the industry, according to a report from Counterpoint Research.
The key catalyst? Artificial‑intelligence features. Apple’s iPhone 16 and Samsung’s Galaxy S27 launched with more advanced on‑device ML engines that improve photography, voice recognition and battery life. Chinese rivals Oppo, Vivo and realme also rolled out AI‑enhanced processors in mid‑tier models, widening the appeal of smartphones that can learn and adapt.
IT industry analysts say Apple and Samsung continue to dominate the top tier, but new mid‑range models are pulling in stronger demand in price‑sensitive markets. For example, China’s 5‑G penetration grew fast, while India and Southeast Asia still rely on 4‑G handsets. In those regions, mid‑tier smartphones that offer smart camera upgrades and AI‑driven assistants are a hit.
Counterpoint’s data show that shipments of premium phones grew 11 % YoY, while mid‑tier devices rose 7 %. Entry‑level models stayed flat, partly because suppliers are waiting on new components to hit the market.
The report also highlights a shift in consumer priorities. “People are noticing AI as the defining feature of this year,” said Keita Koukounath, vice president, tracker services. “If a phone can understand context and automate routine tasks, people’ll be willing to pay a little extra.”
In terms of geography, the United States is the largest market for global smartphone sales, with a 12 % share of the total. China and India follow closely, though China’s market slowed slightly due to supply chain hiccups.
Overall, the data confirm that the smartphone market remains healthy, even as companies pivot to chip‑level AI. As more carriers launch AI‑enhanced plans, global smartphone shipments are likely to keep moving up. Stay tuned for the next quarter’s numbers to see whether the trend continues.
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