The global smartphone market contracted by 8% to its lowest third-quarter level in a decade on subdued demand for major brands including Apple (AAPL.O) and Samsung (005930.KS) in most developed markets, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
Counterpoint cited the iPhone 15 lineup that went on sale in September as a factor that could help revive growth in developed markets such as the United States, Europe and Korea.
“Following a strong September, we expect the momentum to continue until the year-end beginning with full impact of iPhone 15 series,” the market research firm said.
So far, emerging markets have been a bright spot for smartphone sales in an otherwise dour year. In the third quarter, the Middle East and Africa were the only regions to record year-on-year growth, according to Counterpoint data…Read more