The stellar pace of global smartphone sales is slowing, according to data from Gartner.
Emerging markets, including the Middle East and North Africa, are driving the growth of lower-end handsets, but China’s economic slowdown is affecting the top end of the market, according to the information technology consultancy.
Gartner said global smartphone sales in the second quarter grew at its slowest pace since 2013.
It reached 330 million units, up 13.5 per cent year on year and an increase of 28.8 per cent from 2013.
The Middle East and North Africa were among the fastest-growing regions of smartphone sales in the second quarter.
“While demand for lower-cost 3G and 4G smartphones continued to drive growth in emerging markets, overall smartphone sales remained mixed region by region in the second quarter of 2015,” said Anshul Gupta, a research director at Gartner.
“Emerging Asia/Pacific [excluding China], Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa were the fastest-growing regions … [but] smartphone sales in China fell for the first time year over year, recording a 4 per cent decline.”
With Apple opening at least two new shops in the UAE this year, its expansion in fast-growing emerging markets could be well timed to offset softer demand elsewhere.
Saad Elkhadem, a research analyst at IDC, said Apple’s move would help the company to build on its success in the UAE and across the GCC.
Apple’s new iPhone will be launched in a matter of weeks – the release date is a closely guarded secret – and Samsung launched two new upgrades to its S6 Note and Edge phones last week to steal a march on its US rival, intensifying competition at the top end of the market.
Samsung’s premium phones continued to be challenged by Apple’s large-screen iPhones in the second quarter, according to Gartner.
The South Korean firm lost 4.3 percentage points in global market share and unit sales fell 5.3 per cent in the period.
However, iPhone sales increased 36 per cent, which helped Apple to gain 2.4 percentage points in market share.
Samsung still leads global sales with 21.9 per cent of the market and Apple is second with 14.6 per cent.
ascott@thenational.ae
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
Company%20profile
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Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
