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Investing.com - Global smartphone shipments grew by 1-2% in the second quarter of 2025, according to data from Counterpoint Research and IDC, slightly outpacing Jefferies’ flat growth estimate.
Samsung (KS:005930) led major manufacturers with approximately 8% year-over-year growth, driven by strong performance from its mid-range models. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone shipments increased by 1.5-4%, below Jefferies’ 8% estimate, despite strong sales during China’s 618 shopping festival where iPhone volume grew 19% year-over-year. The tech giant, currently valued at $3.15 trillion, maintained steady revenue growth of 4.91% over the last twelve months. InvestingPro analysis shows Apple trading near its Fair Value, with investors eagerly awaiting the company’s earnings report on July 31.
Xiaomi (OTC:XIACF) recorded flat smartphone growth globally, suggesting slower expansion outside China where the company experienced approximately 7% growth. Jefferies’ second-quarter revenue and operating profit forecasts for Xiaomi are now 2.4% and 12% below consensus, respectively.
Memory costs are creating additional pressure on smartphone manufacturers, with DDR4 prices rising in the second quarter and expected to increase another 10-15% in the third quarter and 10-25% in the fourth quarter. DDR5 and NAND prices are projected to rise 2-4% in the third quarter.
Jefferies maintains a cautious outlook for the second half of 2025, citing weak demand, rising memory costs, and high finished goods inventories at approximately 49 days industry-wide, with some brands holding around 100 days of inventory in Southeast Asia and India.
In other recent news, Apple has committed $500 million to MP Materials to purchase American-made rare earth magnets and establish a new recycling facility in California. This partnership aims to strengthen the domestic supply of rare earth materials and advance recycling innovation. Additionally, Apple is expected to adopt Samsung Display’s crease-free display solution for its foldable iPhone, slated for mass production in the second half of 2026, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The decision will benefit suppliers like Fine M-Tec, which will begin shipping components in early 2026.
Apple’s market share in China stood at 13.9% in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by the International Data Corporation. Globally, Apple ranked second in smartphone shipments with 46.4 million units, capturing a 15.7% market share, according to IDC data. Furthermore, Apple TV+ achieved a record 81 Emmy nominations, with "Severance" leading with 27 nominations. The streaming service became the only network to secure multiple nominations in both the Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series categories.
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