Appears like curiosity about AI could also be boosting smartphone gross sales. Shipments of smartphones elevated 1% yr over yr within the second quarter of 2025, regardless of tariff volatility and worldwide financial instability, in response to new information launched from the Worldwide Information Company.
A lot of the rise in gross sales is attributed to midrange units like Samsung‘s Galaxy A36 and different smartphones which have began incorporating AI.
The report blamed a drop in demand for lower-end units, together with these constructed round Android OS, for weighing down the smartphone market. Nonetheless, units that incorporate AI-enabled options have sparked a curiosity that is lured prospects again — for the proper worth.
“Samsung was capable of consolidate its market management and outperform the general market attaining robust development within the quarter pushed by the gross sales of its new Galaxy A36 and A56 merchandise,” mentioned Francisco Jeronimo, vice chairman for shopper units at IDC. “These new merchandise introduce AI-enabled options to mid-range units, which has been successfully utilized in retail shops to drive gross sales.”
Beginning at $400, the Galaxy A36 probably presents a extra inexpensive entry into AI for many individuals, together with AI-powered picture modifying instruments and Google’s Circle to Search.
A current CNET survey discovered that simply 11% of individuals improve their telephone for AI options. Nonetheless, the survey additionally discovered that worth is the most important driver (62%), which means a midrange telephone with new options may show to be alluring sufficient to make the leap.
