COUNTERPOINT RESEARCH SMARTPHONES
Realme appoints Vicky Kaushal as ambassador for smartphones
Realme has announced actor Vicky Kaushal as its brand ambassador for smartphones. The company is set to launch the realme 15 Series on July 24, accompanied by a campaign featuring Kaushal.
Refurbished mobile market to shrink on short supply in 2025
After years of double-digit growth, India's organised second-hand smartphone market is projected to decline in 2025 due to a shortage of traded-in devices. A shift in new smartphone sales from online to offline channels is diverting trade-ins to the unorganised sector, impacting refurbished brands.
Premium products add to the vibe in Indian homes
Despite sluggish overall sales, India's premium consumer goods market is booming. Premium refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions saw sales increases of up to five percentage points between January and April. Similarly, the ultra-premium smartphone segment surged by 20%. This premiumisation trend is pushing up average selling prices, even as the mass market struggles due to economic pressures.
Govt eyes August-September start to electronic parts PLI approvals
India's electronic components manufacturing is set for a boost as the government is expected to approve projects under the Rs 22,919-crore PLI scheme by August-September. The scheme has garnered significant interest, attracting nearly 100 applications from various companies. This initiative aims to enhance domestic value addition and create a robust ecosystem for electronics production.
Smartphone brands shift focus to offline sales in smaller towns
Smartphone brands are strategically shifting towards offline channels, particularly in smaller towns, to boost sales of premium handsets. Online shipments have declined for seven consecutive months as companies like Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi reduce their reliance on ecommerce.
India key market for MediaTek; young demographic, growing economy fuel growth: Country MD
Jain noted that the company is now expanding into new verticals such as automotive, recently partnering with JioThings to develop 4G smart clusters for the two-wheeler EV segment, and supplying infotainment systems for cars like Skoda Slavia and Tata Punch EV.
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Foxconn looks to set up new Tamil Nadu unit to make iPhone enclosures
Foxconn is planning to manufacture iPhone enclosures in India, establishing a new unit in Tamil Nadu. This move signifies Apple's strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China. With expansions in display module assembly and AirPods production, Foxconn aims to significantly increase iPhone production in India, potentially making it a primary manufacturing hub for the US market.
Is the Trump T1 smartphone really ‘Made in the USA’? Here's what we know about its origins, features, and price
The Trump Organization's new T1 smartphone, marketed as "built in the United States," is likely to be manufactured in China. Experts suggest that the U.S. lacks the infrastructure for smartphone production, making overseas manufacturing the only viable option. Despite Trump's push for domestic manufacturing, the T1 relies on a global supply chain for components.
Game on: Phonemakers tap eSports to woo young Indians
Smartphone brands in India are strategically leveraging the booming eSports scene to enhance brand visibility and drive sales amidst a sluggish market. Companies like OnePlus, Realme, and iQOO are sponsoring tournaments and partnering with eSports teams, capitalizing on the growing influence of mobile gaming among Indian youth.
Get smart by going back to dumb phone
Driven by Gen Z and millennials, dumb phones are making a comeback as individuals seek relief from constant connectivity and digital overload. This revival aligns with digital minimalism and the desire for healthier relationships with technology. The trend reflects a conscious effort to balance hyper-connectivity with simplicity, offering a respite from the demands of modern smartphone use.
Foxconn sends 97% of India iPhone exports to US as Apple tackles Trump's tariffs
Between March and May, 97% of iPhones exported from India by Foxconn were shipped to the U.S., highlighting Apple’s move to bypass U.S. tariffs on China. Exports hit $3.2 billion in that period. Apple is rapidly scaling Indian production, with made-in-India iPhones expected to rise significantly in 2025.
Apple's iPhone sales capture top spot in Chinese market in May, Counterpoint Research says
Apple's iPhone sales surged to the top position in China during May, contributing to a 15% year-on-year global sales increase in April and May. This marks Apple's strongest two-month performance since the pandemic, fueled by growth in China and the United States.
Tata & Foxconn: The Made-in-India iPhone race that’s reshaping Apple’s global supply chain
India is rapidly emerging as a major iPhone manufacturing hub, driven by giants like Tata Electronics and Foxconn. Fueled by government incentives and a desire to diversify from China, India's iPhone production is surging. In May 2025, production reached over ₹15,000 crore, matching 2024's domestic consumption.
Apple's iPhone production slows but steadies in May at ₹15,000 crore
Apple's India iPhone production remains strong. Vendors produced over ₹15,000 crore worth of iPhones in May. This is slightly less than previous months but still exceeds 2024 averages. Production has reached ₹84,000 crore this year, matching 2024 domestic consumption. Tata Electronics now makes 35% of India's iPhones. Future production rates depend on trade negotiations.
Apple gives Tata India iPhone repair business as partnership expands, sources say
Tata Group will now manage iPhone and MacBook repairs in India. This expands Tata's role in Apple's supply chain. Tata is taking over from Wistron's Indian unit. The repair market is growing in India as iPhone sales increase. This partnership signals Apple's confidence in Tata. It could also lead to Apple selling refurbished devices in India directly.
Counterpoint Research cuts 2025 global smartphone shipment growth amid tariff uncertainty
The downgrade signals challenges for manufacturers that already face weakening sales amid heightened geopolitical tensions and escalating tariff disputes. The research firm also revised year-on-year shipment growth from China down to near-flat, while Apple and Samsung's shipments are expected to slow as cost increases are passed on to consumers.
Chinese mobile companies making more in India to dim regulatory glare
Chinese smartphone companies are now outsourcing production to Indian firms like Dixon Technologies. This follows a possible push from the Indian government. Brands are shifting manufacturing risks and aiming for cost reduction. Oppo's factory shipments have decreased due to outsourcing. Dixon anticipates significant smartphone production growth. Joint ventures and strategic partnerships are also emerging in the sector.
Telcos dial up international roaming perks to take on eSIM companies
As international travel surges, Indian telecom companies are bolstering their roaming services to counter competition from low-cost eSIM providers. These providers offer data-only plans at significantly lower rates, challenging the telcos' traditional revenue streams.
Google begins direct sales of Pixel devices in India via official online Google Store
This will complement Google's existing online and offline retail footprint, a company statement said. Managing director of devices and services at Google India, Mitul Shah, said launching direct online purchasing from the India Google Store is primarily driven by the "dynamic and evolving" Indian smartphone market.
Not just Apple: Trump threatens to slap tariffs on all imported smartphones including Samsung
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on smartphones, including iPhones and Samsung devices, manufactured outside the U.S., reversing his previous stance. He criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for producing devices abroad despite U.S. investments. Trump wants iPhones made in the U.S., expressing frustration over Apple's shift to countries like India, despite challenges in relocating the entire supply chain.
Samsung starts manufacturing of its slimmest smartphone Galaxy S25 Edge in India
Samsung has begun making its Galaxy S25 Edge in India. The phone launched globally, including in India, on May 13. It features Galaxy AI and is built on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. The device price ranges from Rs 1.09 lakh to Rs 1.22 lakh. Apple and Samsung dominated smartphone manufacturing in India in 2024.
Samsung starts manufacturing of its slimmest smartphone Galaxy S25 Edge in India
Samsung has begun manufacturing its slimmest smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Edge, in India at its Noida factory. Launched globally on May 13, the phone features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and advanced AI capabilities. Samsung's move reflects India's growing role in tech manufacturing, with the company holding a 20% market share.
Smartwatch boom cools off in 2025
Smartwatch shipments in India have declined for five consecutive quarters, dropping 33% year-on-year in Q1 2025. The industry is shifting from budget devices to premium features, with fewer new models being launched. Experts predict a correction year, focusing on the ₹5,000-10,000 price segment, expecting a slight shipment growth by year-end after a significant drop in 2024.
MediaTek to start rolling out world's smallest chip from September
MediaTek will begin producing the world’s smallest chips in September 2025, marking a major milestone. CEO Rick Tsai announced the high-volume chip at Computex. Partnering with TSMC, the chip targets efficiency gains. MediaTek also announced advances in AI, 6G, and premium Chromebooks among others.
Tatas’ Hosur plant starts assembling Apple’s iPhones
Tata Electronics has begun assembling iPhone 16 models at its Hosur plant. This move aims to establish the company as a key smartphone supply chain player. The company is expanding its operations beyond enclosures. It is scaling up after acquiring Wistron and Pegatron's Indian arms. This development strengthens Apple's India presence and reduces reliance on China.
India's smartphones become country's top exported good, surpassing traditional players like petroleum products, diamonds in FY25
India's smartphone exports have surged dramatically, particularly to the US and Japan, surpassing traditional exports like petroleum and diamonds. Fueled by government initiatives like the PLI scheme, smartphone exports reached $24.14 billion in 2024-25, marking a 55% increase. This growth has positioned India as a major global manufacturing and export hub for smartphones.
Samsung launches slimmest smartphone as races against rival Apple
Analysts said the launch was strategically timed to pre-empt Apple, which is expected to launch a thinner iPhone in the second half of this year. The S25 Edge will go on sale in South Korea on May 23 and in the United States on May 30, Samsung said, adding it will roll it out to about 30 countries, including China and in Europe.
Ahead of thinnest iPhone launch, Samsung unveils its slimmest flagship yet: AI-powered S25 Edge — Check price and specs
Samsung Electronics unveiled its slimmest flagship model, the S25 Edge. The model includes enhanced AI. It aims to outpace Apple in the premium market. The launch targets younger consumers seeking portable smartphones. Structural changes reduced the phone's thickness. The S25 Edge will be available in South Korea and the United States soon.
Chipmakers find a ray of hope in AI chipsets amid US tariff gloom
Market trackers said chip makers are insulated from significant tariff impact due to the nature of their supply chain. The manufacturing of the chip sets largely takes place in Taiwan or Korea, which insulates the companies from a trade fallout with China. The origin of the final assembled device is often what determines the tariff applicability when shipped to a market like the US, so MediaTek and Qualcomm are not directly exposed to the evolving uncertainties, analysts said.
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