According to data released by multiple institutions, the global smartphone market continues to show signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the competition in the smartphone market has become more intense, with Samsung and Apple experiencing a decline in global market share. A report released by International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that after a period of volatility, the global smartphone market is showing positive signs of recovery. In the second quarter, global smartphone shipments reached 285.4 million units, an increase of 6.5% compared to the same period last year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of rising shipments. Preliminary data from the monthly tracking report on smartphones by market research firm Counterpoint also shows that global smartphone sales in the second quarter of 2024 increased by 6% year-on-year, the highest year-on-year growth rate in three years. According to Canalys' data, the global smartphone market grew for three consecutive quarters in the second quarter of 2024, with shipments increasing by 12% year-on-year to 288 million units. From the perspective of regional performance, IDC points out that the recovery speed of different regional markets is uneven, and some markets still face the challenge of incomplete demand recovery. According to Counterpoint analysis, in the second quarter of 2024, both the European and Latin American markets achieved double-digit year-on-year growth due to continued improvement in consumer confidence and purchasing activity compared to 2023; In China, Huawei's return and the early start of the 618 shopping festival ensured the sustained recovery of market heat; Emerging markets, especially Latin America and Asia, have performed better than mature markets. According to the rankings of major brand manufacturers, Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi rank among the top three globally. According to data from IDC and Counterpoint, Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi have global market shares of approximately 20%, 16%, and 14%, respectively. According to Canalys' statistics, these three major producers have market shares of 18%, 16%, and 15% respectively. It is worth noting that a major highlight of the smartphone market this quarter is the rapid penetration of generative AI technology. Nabila Popal, Research Director of IDC's Global Tracking Team, stated that the smartphone market is undergoing a technological revolution, and it is expected that generative AI smartphones will become the fastest-growing mobile innovation this year, with a market share expected to reach 19% and shipments expected to exceed 234 million units. IDC stated that Samsung still maintains its leading position, thanks to the strong and sustained sales of the AI focused Galaxy S24 series and the product updates of the best-selling Galaxy A series. Canalys stated that Samsung has refocused its strategic focus on the high-end market, allowing it to continue leading the world. According to data from several major institutions, the competition in the global smartphone market is becoming more intense. The advantages of Samsung and Apple in the top two rankings have narrowed, and the gap between Xiaomi and Apple, which stands out, has significantly narrowed. Canalys statistics show that Samsung and Apple had a global market share of 34% in the second quarter, lower than the 38% in the same period last year. Nabila Popal said that the top five manufacturers in the global smartphone market have achieved year-on-year growth, but the competition within the market is becoming increasingly fierce, and the price range is further divided. Apple and Samsung continue to consolidate their leading positions in the high-end market. Counterpoint analysts say that the cumulative share of the top five brands has decreased year-on-year, mainly due to pressure from group brands such as Huawei, Honor, and Motorola. On the other hand, the top ten brands have a market share of nearly 90%, indicating that the market is consolidating and competition among the top ten brands is fierce. Counterpoint senior analyst Malhotra believes that the global smartphone market has entered a new era - a slow and stable growth phase driven by replacement cycles, now a zero sum game between smartphone brand manufacturers. (New Society)