Tag: Apple iPhone 16

When Apple launched the iPhone 17 last September, it marked the beginning of a new record for flagship device longevity, potentially breaking a 15-year-old benchmark. Although it typically takes over a year for such records to be surpassed, current rumors suggest the iPhone 17 could be the first to do so.

This achievement is reminiscent of the iPhone 4, which debuted in June 2010 and held its position as Apple’s leading iPhone until October 2011—a span of nearly 16 months. During that year, Apple shifted its major launch window from summer to fall, making the iPhone 4’s tenure particularly notable.

The period was frustrating for those expecting the iPhone 5, as Apple instead introduced the iPhone 4S, which was visually similar to its predecessor but featured internal upgrades like Siri, an improved camera, and better performance. The iPhone 4 also had multiple notable release milestones: launched exclusively through AT&T, then later on Verizon six months afterward, and finally, the white model arrived after a lengthy 10-month delay.

No other iPhone has matched the 15-month flagship run of the iPhone 4 since. The closest was the iPhone 11 Pro, which remained at the forefront for 13 months before the iPhone 12’s release, which was delayed during the pandemic. There are anomalies such as the gaps between the iPhone SE, SE 2, and iPhone 16e models, which exceed four years each, but these are not standard flagship cycles.

Looking ahead, the iPhone 17 is expected to be the dominant flagship for about 18 months, until the anticipated spring 2027 release of the iPhone 18, thereby setting a new record for the longest period a flagship remains at the top of Apple’s lineup.

| Model | Launch Date | Replacement Expected | Duration at Top |
|—————-|———————————|————————|—————————–|
| iPhone 17 | September 2025 | Spring 2027 (expected)| Approximately 18 months |
| iPhone 4 | June 24, 2010 | October 14, 2011 | About 15.7 months |
| iPhone 11 Pro | September 20, 2019 | October 23, 2020 | About 13.1 months |
| iPhone (2007) | June 29, 2007 | July 11, 2008 | Roughly 12.4 months |

A significant contrast from the iPhone 4 era is the introduction of the Pro line, which has helped prevent lengthy upgrade cycles by offering more frequent innovations.

In terms of the shortest upgrade intervals, the transition from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13 stands out, with only an 11-month gap following delays caused by the pandemic. Similarly, the iPhone X, announced in September 2017, was quickly succeeded by the iPhone XS just 10 months after its November 2017 release, despite the initial model still being quite new.

The evolution of Apple’s flagship longevity has been impacted by product differentiation, especially with the Pro series, and sometimes by strategic delays, leading to notable variations in upgrade cycles.

Apple is anticipated to raise prices for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, expected to launch next month. However, recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 might also see a price hike as early as next week.

Specifically, there are claims that the cost of the iPhone 17 could increase on Monday, August 10. A Weibo insider known as Fixed Focus Digital mentioned in a recent post that “rumors indicate the iPhone 17 will become more expensive starting August 10.”

While a price increase on this date would be unexpected—since Apple previously avoided raising prices earlier this summer—it is not completely out of the realm of possibility. Earlier in the season, Apple opted not to increase the prices of its devices, including the iPhone, expecting they would change in September along with the launch of new models. Now, indications suggest the company might be accelerating this process.

The source of this rumor isn’t officially confirmed, but Fixed Focus Digital has shown reliable connections in the past, which adds some credibility to the speculation.

If Apple indeed moves forward with adjusting the prices of remaining models like the iPhone 17 before the end of the year, it could signify a shift in timing, opting to implement changes sooner rather than later.

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For those interested in enhancing their iPhone experience, check out some of the best accessories available on the market.

When Apple launched the iPhone 17 in September, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in flagship history, aiming to beat a record that has stood for over 15 years. While it will take more than a year to surpass this milestone, current rumors suggest that the iPhone 17 has the potential to be the first to break it.

The longest-lasting flagship was the iPhone 4, which debuted in June 2010 and remained Apple’s premier device until October 2011. Due to a shift in Apple’s launch schedule from summer to fall, the iPhone 4 maintained its status for nearly 16 months. This period was particularly frustrating for consumers holding out for the iPhone 5, only to be introduced to the iPhone 4S, which was visually similar but brought internal upgrades like Siri, an improved camera, and better performance.

The iPhone 4 also experienced multiple significant release moments—initially exclusive to AT&T in the U.S., which launched it first. Verizon then became the second U.S. carrier six months later. Additionally, the long-anticipated white model finally arrived after ten months of delays.

Since then, no other iPhone has matched the 15-month record set by the iPhone 4. The closest was the iPhone 11 Pro, which held its top spot for 13 months following the launch of the iPhone 12 during the pandemic’s disruption. Other exceptions, like the gap between the iPhone SE models and the iPhone 16e, exceeding four years, were primarily due to product strategy rather than standard flagship refresh cycles.

Looking ahead, the iPhone 17 is scheduled to be available until spring 2027, suggesting it will be on the market for about 18 months. This extended period could surpass the iPhone 4’s record, establishing a new standard for flagship longevity.

| Model | Launch | Replacement | Duration at top |
|—————-|——————————|——————————|—————————-|
| iPhone 17 | September 2025 | Expected Spring 2027 | Approximately 18 months |
| iPhone 4 | June 24, 2010 | October 14, 2011 | About 15.7 months |
| iPhone 11 Pro | September 20, 2019 | October 23, 2020 | Roughly 13 months |
| iPhone (2007) | June 29, 2007 | July 11, 2008 | Just over a year |

One notable distinction between the era of the iPhone 4 and the current lineup is the introduction of the Pro models. The period between the iPhone 4 and 4S saw a gap where customers eagerly awaited significant updates, which didn’t arrive immediately.

The shortest iPhone upgrade cycle is also interesting; for example, the transition from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13 took just 11 months, as Apple adjusted following pandemic-related delays. Similarly, the iPhone X, announced in September 2017, was replaced by the iPhone XS after only 10 months, due to the release time of the original model in November 2017.

Apple is set to introduce several exciting new features with iOS 27, particularly in the realm of Apple Intelligence. However, accessing some of these advanced capabilities will require the latest, most powerful iPhones, and unfortunately, the iPhone 17 will not be among them. This pattern echoes what occurred in 2024, when the base iPhone models were excluded from certain features.

Back in June 2024, Apple announced Apple Intelligence with limited device support, specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The older iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus units weren’t compatible, marking a departure from Apple’s usual tradition of supporting older devices for extended periods. This shift was primarily driven by the hardware demands of AI—particularly on-device AI—which necessitated at least 8GB of RAM, a specification the more affordable models lacked.

Now, with the release of iOS 27, this trend appears to be continuing. The newest base model iPhone, the iPhone 17, will again be excluded from certain AI features due to hardware limitations. For example, some of the most powerful on-device AI models supported by iOS 27 require the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, or the iPhone Air.

Additionally, a new Siri AI voice customization feature will not be available on the iPhone 17. This consistent trend of recent devices being left out hints at a significant shift in how Apple is deploying its AI technology—favoring newer, more capable hardware to deliver these advanced features.

While it’s encouraging that many AI features will still be accessible to iPhone 17 users, the fact remains that they will miss out on certain cutting-edge capabilities enjoyed by the Pro and Air models. This shift marks a notable change in Apple’s support strategy and highlights the increasing hardware requirements needed to power its latest AI innovations.

A recent TrendForce report highlights a notable surge in Apple’s iPhone manufacturing during the first quarter, despite rising memory prices that have affected the overall smartphone industry. Here are the key insights.

According to various sources, including Apple’s earnings reports and independent industry analyses, the iPhone 17 series has been surpassing expectations and outperforming the wider market trends.

The latest report from TrendForce provides additional evidence, indicating that Apple’s iPhone production increased by nearly 20% year-over-year in Q1, even as global smartphone production saw a 1.7% decline during the same period.

The data shows that while Samsung still leads as the world’s top smartphone producer, with a 2.3% growth resulting in approximately 62.6 million units produced, Apple secured the second spot with around 60.2 million units manufacturing during the quarter.

Apple’s impressive production performance has been driven by the launch of the iPhone 17e and an ongoing increase in production capacity for new models.

Furthermore, industry insights suggest Apple has been better insulated from the impacts of rising memory prices, largely because it has refrained from raising its prices amid the market shortages. The company has kept its pricing steady and has left the door open for potential future increases if the situation persists.

Looking forward, TrendForce estimates that worldwide smartphone production may decrease by about 16.2% year-over-year, reaching around 1.05 billion units in 2026. This decline could become more severe if memory prices stay high, prompting brands to hike retail prices further to compensate.

‘Free phone’ scams are on the rise, and a new variation has emerged that demands attention. In this latest scheme, a brand-new phone is inexplicably left at your doorstep—without your payment or involvement in its purchase.

This adds to the ongoing list of scams where new phones are delivered directly to your residence under suspicious circumstances.

The traditional ‘free phone’ scam involves a scammer impersonating you to your mobile service provider and ordering a new device. The carrier then ships the phone to your address, often while the scammer waits nearby to snag the package before you can retrieve it. Essentially, this is a form of porch piracy—an opportunistic theft where the scammer knows the shipment details beforehand and benefits by acquiring the free device.

Protect yourself by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your mobile account and other online services to reduce the risk.

Another common scam occurs when you’ve ordered a phone, receive a call claiming an error, and are instructed to return or ship the device back. In reality, you’re unknowingly sending a new phone directly into the scammer’s hands.

The newest ‘free phone’ scam, as reported by CNET, involves activating an unsolicited device and entering your personal information. The device then either locks up or goes completely dark, rendering it useless. Meanwhile, your details are compromised, and the scammer gains access to your personal data.

This type of scam typically begins with actions like plugging in the phone, turning it on, scanning a QR code, or inserting a SIM card. Each step can potentially grant scammers access to your accounts, identity, or phone number. Experts warn that cheap phones preloaded with malware, SIM cards designed for fraudulent activities, or QR codes dropping credential-harvesting pages are common vectors. It’s best to handle such devices with caution or leave them alone altogether.

Have you encountered other clever or malicious scams? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

Photo credit: James A. Molnar, via Unsplash.

Although I typically prefer using my iPhone without any case or screen protector, I’ve found that both can be quite enjoyable on the iPhone 17 Pro. They are affordable enough to experiment with without a long-term commitment.

Back in 2019, Apple introduced Ceramic Shield glass for the iPhone display, claiming it offered four times better drop resistance and fewer cracked screens. While I haven’t shattered my screen yet, I do notice persistent deep scratches after a year of use. The latest Ceramic Shield 2 promises triple the scratch resistance, which is a promising upgrade.

Apple also reports an enhanced anti-glare coating on the screen, although it doesn’t quite match the nano-texture finish seen on iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models.

To give the display a more matte appearance, I use a product I tried previously—the Mothca matte glass screen protector. While it’s not perfect—it introduces a slight rainbow effect and reduces brightness—it significantly improves anti-glare performance.

For protection in active scenarios such as kayaking or when mounting the phone on a motorcycle handlebar, I opt for a minimalist case. I was concerned about chipping the orange aluminum edges near the camera bump, so I chose a more subdued color: gray, which pairs well with the Cosmic Orange and adds a futuristic vibe.

A recent find in a retail store was the Spigen Thin Fit case, available in black, gunmetal, or abyss green. I went with the gray option, which aligns nicely with my aesthetic considerations. It retails for $39.99 but can be found on Amazon for around $34.99.

Many budget cases lack MagSafe compatibility, which I find limiting when using magnetic accessories or battery packs. The Spigen Thin Fit supports MagSafe, and instead of just a cutout, it includes a capacitive Camera Control cover, offering better protection for the camera module, especially the prominent “mountain range” area, which is critical for durability.

This case also features a cool design element: orange circles reminiscent of the Digital Crown on the Space Black Apple Watch Ultra. The orange accents are visible around the buttons and port, giving the gray case a subtle yet striking orange-gray aesthetic.

Interestingly, it does not display the orange aluminum border around the display, which can be distracting when a dark case is applied, especially between the screen and bezel. Removing the border creates a cleaner, more seamless look.

For affordable accessories, I recommend the Mothca matte screen protector for anti-glare benefits and effective scratch resistance, and the Spigen Thin Fit case for a sleek, protective cover that doesn’t add much bulk. Both are excellent options to enhance your experience and safeguard your device without breaking the bank.

A recent Omdia analysis reveals that iPhone shipments in Latin America surged by 31% compared to the previous year in the first quarter of 2026, largely propelled by the strong sales of the iPhone 17 and an impressive 80% increase in Mexico.

In the regional market, Samsung maintained its lead with 12.9 million units shipped, capturing a 37% market share, marking a 9% growth from the prior year. Following closely, Xiaomi secured second place with 6 million units and a 17% share, surpassing Motorola’s 4.9 million units and 14%. HONOR ranked fourth with 3.4 million units, accounting for 10%, while Apple completed the top five with 1.8 million units, representing 5% of the market.

Despite a modest rise of 400,000 units in shipment volume, Apple’s growth rate was the highest among competitors at 31%, just marginally ahead of HONOR’s 30%. The overall market experienced a slight 3% increase, with total shipments reaching 34.8 million units, hindered by shortages and rising memory component prices that constrained the availability of affordable devices, as explained by Omdia’s Senior Analyst Miguel Ángel Pérez.

Regionally, the top five markets constituted 73% of the shipments during this period, with Brazil and Mexico being the only nations where Apple registered notable presence. In Brazil, Apple held a 5% market share, whereas in Mexico, it climbed to third place with a significant 16%, driven by exceptional sales growth of 80% year-over-year and positive reception of the iPhone 17 series.

For more detailed insights, refer to Omdia’s full report via the provided link.

Among 33 smartphones tested, the iPhone 17 Pro demonstrated the fastest overall charging capabilities, combining both wired and wireless charging speeds into a single performance metric.

Apple secured four out of the top five positions in wireless charging speed, with manufacturing precision likely contributing to this dominance.

According to CNET, comprehensive testing was conducted over the past year on 33 current models from brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, including international variants, to assess their fast-charging performance.

The testing involved scenarios where devices had a battery life of around 10%, measuring how much charge could be gained within a 30-minute period.

In wired charging, the iPhone 17 Pro ranked second, with Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra taking the top spot, capable of reaching 76% charge in just half an hour. Other high performers included the Moto G Stylus (2025) and the OnePlus 15, both achieving 74% during the same timeframe. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE each reached approximately 69%.

For wireless charging, the iPhone 17 Pro led the pack, achieving a 55% charge increase in 30 minutes, earning it the CNET Labs Award for fastest wireless charging. The iPhone 17 Pro Max followed with 53%, the standard iPhone 17 reached 49%, the iPhone Air attained 47%, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra achieved 39%, rounding out the top five.

Apple has shared an in-depth feature highlighting four innovative filmmakers who utilized the iPhone 17 Pro Max to create new short films for this year’s MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, competing in the Shot on iPhone category. Their works demonstrate how the device’s advanced camera features supported various creative challenges.

The feature explores how each director leveraged different capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to achieve their artistic vision. Shreela Agarwal, in her film 11.11, utilized ProRes RAW to recover detail in low-light scenes and to fine-tune white balance for a natural nighttime look. Ritesh Sharma employed Cinematic Mode and the Audio Mix feature to craft immersive soundscapes, enhancing the emotional depth of his story, She Sells Seashells. Robin Joy’s Pathanam benefited from Action Mode, allowing her to capture dynamic moments with stability, while Dhritisree Sarkar used 8x optical zoom and Apple Log 2 to evoke a vintage celluloid feel in Kathar Katha (The Tale of Katha).

The filmmakers relied on the iPhone 17 Pro Max as their primary filming tool, complementing it with Apple’s broader ecosystem, including MacBook Pro with M5 and iPad Pro with M5, to streamline their filmmaking process.

In Agarwal’s case, the advanced camera system enabled her to enhance nighttime footage, making scenes brighter and cleaner without sacrificing the natural atmosphere. Sharma’s use of Cinematic Mode allowed him to focus attention on key sounds, adding an extra layer of immersion. Sarkar’s application of ProRes RAW and Apple Log 2, combined with zoom capabilities, helped craft a nostalgic visual style and underscore the emotional elements of her narrative.

For a full overview of how these filmmakers are redefining the boundaries of their craft with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, visit Apple’s complete story here.

A recent preliminary report from Counterpoint Research reveals that Apple dominated the smartphone market in early 2026, capturing nearly 50% of all revenue in the first quarter. This period also saw a record-high average selling price (ASP) for first-quarter smartphones, highlighting the company’s strong market position.

Counterpoint’s findings show that Apple achieved two notable milestones in Q1 2026. Firstly, it secured a 48% share of total smartphone revenue—its highest for a first quarter ever. Secondly, it experienced the fastest year-over-year revenue increase among leading smartphone brands, with its market share climbing from 43% the previous year.

In comparison, Samsung held a distant second place with an 18% revenue share, followed by OPPO—including OnePlus and realme devices—with 6%, Xiaomi at 5%, and vivo at 4%. The survey also noted that higher smartphone prices, driven by ongoing memory shortages, contributed to a 12% rise in ASP, which averaged $399.

Despite maintaining largely stable pricing, Apple reached a new first-quarter revenue record of $908 per device, even as many competitors, like Samsung, raised their prices. The report also indicates that Apple and Samsung each accounted for 21% of global shipments. Xiaomi was third with 12%, followed by OPPO at 10% and vivo with 7%.

Research Director Jeff Fieldhack commented on Apple’s performance, stating, “Apple’s growth was fueled by consistent demand for the base iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a higher proportion of these models positively influencing overall ASP by 11% compared to the previous year. Unlike its competitors, Apple managed to keep prices stable despite rising costs, demonstrating its ability to absorb inflationary pressures and remain resilient during the memory shortage crisis. Regionally, especially in the Asia-Pacific, Apple’s strength was supported by subsidies, promotional activities, and trade-in programs.”

For a full overview of Counterpoint’s findings, visit their detailed report at this link.

A recent report from Counterpoint Research reveals that the iPhone 17 surpassed the iPhone 17 Pro Max to become the top-selling smartphone globally in the first quarter of 2026. The image above showcases various color options available for the new model.

According to the findings, the iPhone 17 now holds a 6% share of worldwide smartphone sales, placing it ahead of its Pro Max and Pro counterparts. In the previous quarter, the iPhone 17 Pro Max only ranked tenth shortly after its launch, but by the start of 2026, the iPhone 17 secured the leading position.

Counterpoint’s latest data highlights that the top five smartphones in this period include models from Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Specifically, the Galaxy A07 4G, Galaxy A17 5G, iPhone 16, Galaxy A56, and Redmi A5 are among the most purchased devices globally.

Although precise sales percentages beyond the iPhone 17’s 6% are not detailed, it’s clear that the top three models dominate the market, contributing to an unprecedented 25% of overall global unit sales—marking the highest concentration recorded in Q1.

Harshit Rastogi, a senior analyst at Counterpoint, explained that the iPhone 17’s success is driven by significant upgrades like increased storage options, enhanced camera resolution, and a higher refresh rate, which make it more comparable to its Pro versions and appeal to a broader audience. The phone has seen strong year-over-year growth in key markets such as China, the US, and South Korea, with an impressive threefold increase in South Korea alone. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro continue to lead in advanced features, including improved camera systems, batteries, and new color and material options.

For a detailed analysis of global smartphone sales in Q1 2026, you can follow this link to Counterpoint’s full report.

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Apple experienced another strong quarter with solid overall performance, largely driven by the success of the iPhone 17 series. CEO Tim Cook attributes the remarkable sales of the iPhone 17 to several key customer preferences, as highlighted by user feedback.

Recently, Apple announced that the iPhone 17 lineup has become the most popular in the company’s history, surpassing previous models. Additionally, during this period, the company gained market share from Android devices.

Customer satisfaction with the iPhone 17 has reached an impressive 99% in the United States, according to 451 Research, a milestone that significantly contributes to its sales momentum. When early users express high satisfaction, it encourages others to upgrade, fueling further sales growth.

In response to questions about the factors behind the iPhone 17’s impressive performance, Tim Cook pointed out that despite supply chain challenges, the product’s appeal remains strong. He highlighted five main reasons customers are drawn to the new models: the sleek design, powerful performance, robust durability, advanced camera features—including the popular Center Stage technology—and the seamless integration of Apple’s intelligent platform features.

Furthermore, Apple revealed that the iPhone 17 family is now its most popular lineup ever and continues to expand its market share, notably in comparison to competitors on the Android platform.

Apple has announced another record-breaking earnings quarter, highlighting the iPhone 17 lineup as its most popular family of models to date.

The company celebrated significant sales achievements across its entire product range. However, the iPhone played a pivotal role in these successes. While early indications suggested strong sales for the new models, Apple recently confirmed that the iPhone 17 series has achieved a historic milestone.

According to Apple CFO Kevan Parekh, the iPhone 17 line-up has become “the most popular in our history,” marking a major breakthrough. Although additional specifics weren’t disclosed, this statement strongly implies that it might be the best-selling iPhone series ever. Further details may be revealed during the upcoming earnings call.

Parekh also mentioned that Apple believes it “gained market share during the quarter,” indicating that the iPhone’s growth outpaced international Android competitors.

Much has been said about the high demand for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Yet, the overall success of the entire lineup suggests even the iPhone Air lineup has contributed significantly to this achievement.

The worldwide smartphone market experienced a decline of over 4% in the first quarter of this year, breaking a 2.5-year streak of continuous growth, according to a recent market analysis report.

The situation is projected to worsen due to an escalating shortage of memory chips, but Apple’s strategic approach appears to be producing positive results.

With most of the industry operating on slim profit margins, manufacturers are often forced to transfer rising costs to consumers amid surging component prices—sometimes doubling or tripling in cost. These increased expenses have largely contributed to halting the sustained growth observed over the past couple of years.

Research from IDC indicates that global smartphone shipments dropped by 4.1% compared to the previous year in the first quarter, and this downward trend is expected to continue.

A prominent industry insider noted that the smartphone sector is going through one of its most challenging phases yet, driven by severe constraints in memory supply that are directly affecting both shipment volumes and consumer demand. Limited memory availability has prompted manufacturers to reduce shipment numbers, while the sharply increased memory prices are causing many well-known brands to raise their prices. In some emerging markets, prices have soared as much as 40–50%, significantly dampening demand. The 4% decline is just a glimpse of what’s on the horizon as memory shortages worsen on all fronts.

Meanwhile, IDC reports that both Apple and Samsung have more room to maneuver financially with their premium devices, allowing them to hold their prices steady and thus favoring continued demand. Both companies have reported modest growth in their shipment figures: Samsung grew by 3.6% year-over-year, and Apple by 3.3%.

However, recent developments have challenged this outlook. Samsung announced a price increase on several of its flagship devices—including the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy S25 Edge, and Galaxy S25 FE—as well as most of its current tablet lineup. Price hikes on higher-capacity variants range from $40 to $80, although the starting prices for the top-tier models remain unchanged.

This pattern could position Apple as the sole major smartphone manufacturer to maintain stable pricing, potentially sustaining its growth while the rest of the market contracts.

Counterpoint Research has released its latest report on global smartphone shipments for the first quarter of 2026, revealing that strong consumer interest in the iPhone 17 allowed Apple to secure the leading position in the market for the first time during a Q1. Here are the key insights.

According to the report, Apple’s worldwide smartphone shipments increased by 5% year-over-year in Q1 2026, despite a decline in overall market demand, with some brands experiencing drops of up to 19%.

Apple’s market performance, as summarized by Counterpoint, is notable:
Apple captured a 21% market share, marking its first-ever Q1 leadership with 5% growth. The company’s resilience is credited to its premium brand positioning, highly integrated supply chain, and continuous demand for the iPhone 17 series, supported by aggressive trade-in offers and the loyalty fostered by its ecosystem. The report highlights particularly strong growth in key Asia-Pacific markets such as China, India, and Japan, underscoring robust regional demand and strategic market initiatives.

The report attributes the overall market downturn mainly to ongoing shortages of DRAM and NAND memory, which, coupled with decreased demand in various regions, led manufacturers to limit shipments and pass rising costs onto consumers—further dampening sales.

Additionally, Google and Nothing experienced annual growth of 14% and 25%, respectively, but their sales volumes remain relatively small, preventing them from entering the top five ranking, thus remaining categorized under “Others.”

In the top segment, this quarter sees Apple leading with a 21% share, followed by Samsung at 20%, despite a 6% drop year-over-year. Xiaomi secured third place with a 12% share but faced a 19% decline. OPPO claimed fourth with 11%, down by 4%, while vivo accounted for 8%, decreasing by 2%. The combined share of other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reached 28%, experiencing a 10% decline overall.

Looking forward, Counterpoint advises that the market outlook for 2026 remains cautious, primarily due to the persistent memory chip shortages expected to linger into late 2027. Manufacturers are likely to focus on providing better value, releasing configuration upgrades, discontinuing low-margin models, and promoting refurbished devices to attract budget-conscious consumers.

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During the Artemis II mission’s approach for a historic lunar flyby, Commander Reid Wiseman captured an incredible photograph of the lunar surface using his iPhone 17 Pro Max. Here are the details of that moment.

In recent days, the Artemis II crew has shared images taken with their iPhones, marking a notable milestone as NASA permits astronauts to utilize the latest smartphones during their missions, as described by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman.

The crew has been equipped with four iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, along with a GoPro HERO 4 Black, a Nikon D5, and a Nikon Z 9 to document their journey. These images are now available on NASA Johnson’s Flickr account.

Tonight, as the spacecraft approached the moon for a flyby that would propel it back toward Earth, the astronauts took turns capturing what they saw through the Orion capsule’s window. During a livestream, as Public Affairs Officer Leah Mustachio explained that the team had turned off all cabin lights for better photography, Reid Wiseman stepped forward with a stunning lunar surface shot displayed on his iPhone.

A Twitter post later confirmed that Wiseman had snapped the photo with his iPhone 17 Pro Max using an 8x zoom. Mission Control identified the crater in the photo as Chebyshev.

At the time of writing, the crew was engaged in post-lunar flyby activities, including transmitting some photos back to Earth, as reported by Mustachio.

Watch the related video here.

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