Global Smartphone Sales See Modest Growth in Q3 2025, Fueled by AI
The global smartphone market showed signs of a fragile recovery in the third quarter of 2025, with shipments rising by 2.6% year-on-year, reaching 322.7 million units. This modest growth, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), represents the second consecutive quarter of expansion, indicating a potential turning point for an industry that has faced significant challenges. This could be good news for African consumers eager for the latest technology.
AI and Premium Devices Drive Demand
The rebound in smartphone sales is primarily attributed to the renewed consumer interest in premium and AI-powered devices. High inflation, tariffs, and fluctuating consumer confidence had previously hampered the market, but the latest figures suggest a shift, particularly within the premium segment. Apple and Samsung, the market leaders, capitalized on this trend, achieving record-breaking sales. This highlights the impact of innovative features, and foldable models on reigniting consumer enthusiasm. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, in particular, is an example of the kind of device that’s driving demand.
With improvements in AI, African markets could see further growth as access to more advanced and intuitive smartphones grows.
The increase shows a positive trend.
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