Telecom
Huawei Overtakes Apple for the Second Position on Global Smartphone Market
International Data Corporation (IDC) preliminary data for Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, shows that smartphone vendors shipped a total of 342.0 million units during the second quarter of 2018 (2Q18), resulting in a 1.8% decline when compared to the 348.2 million units shipped in the second quarter of 2017.
The drop marks the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines for the global smartphone market and only the fourth quarter of decline in history.
IDC believes this is the result of churn in some highly penetrated markets, although many high growth markets still exist and should return smartphone shipments to overall growth.
The arrival of Huawei in the second position marks the first quarter since 2Q10 where Apple has not been the number one or two smartphone company in terms of market share.
Huawei delivered shipments of 54.2 million units to move into the second position with a record high market share of 15.8%.
Samsung maintained a comfortable lead, although indications from its recent 2Q18 earnings call suggest its mobile division revenues will face challenges moving forward.
Ryan Reith, program vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, said “The continued growth of Huawei is impressive, to say the least, as is its ability to move into markets where, until recently, the brand was largely unknown,”
“It is worth noting that Apple moved into the top position each of the last two holiday quarters following its product refresh, so it’s likely we’ll see continued movement among the top ranked companies in 2018 and beyond.
“For most markets, the ultra-high end ($700+) competition is largely some combination of Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, depending on the geography, and this is unlikely to change much in the short term.
“At the same time, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo are all slowly pushing their customer base upstream at a price tier slightly lower than the top three.
“This is an area they should all watch closely as the builds in this segment are getting increasingly more advanced.”
Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, said “The combination of market saturation, increased smartphone penetration rates, and climbing ASPs continue to dampen the growth of the overall market.”
“Consumers remain willing to pay more for premium offerings in numerous markets and they now expect their device to outlast and outperform previous generations of that device which cost considerably less a few years ago.
“To contest this slowdown, vendors will need to focus on new innovative features and form factors combined with incentives and promotions to drive growth in many of these highly competitive markets moving forward.”
Highlight of smartphone companies shows that Samsung once again remained the leader in the worldwide smartphone market despite a 10.4% decline in shipments from last year.
The flagship S9/S9+, which launched late in the first quarter, witnessed slower than normal sales according to Samsung.
Samsung claims the slowdown is due to both intensified competition at the high end and an overall sluggish smartphone market.
The Korean giant will look to bolster sales in the coming weeks as we await the arrival of the new Galaxy Note 9.
The new Note will be unveiled on August 9th and is expected to launch earlier than the Note 8 to gain a foothold ahead of pending fall launches from Apple and others.
The device is expected to feature a bigger battery, new S-Pen capabilities, and increased performance.
Huawei surpassed Apple for the first time to move into the second position based on global market share.
It continues to lead the China smartphone market with a record-high market share of 27.0% in 2Q18.
In the first half of this quarter, Huawei’s P20/P20 Pro series found strong demand in the $600-$800 price segment, helping Huawei build a high profile in the market.
In the second half, with the release of its “GPU Turbo” technology, Huawei continued to earn a good reputation. 618 promotions led to strong sales for Honor models in the online channels as the Honor brand continues to be a key driver of growth for the Chinese tech giant.
Apple dropped to the third spot for the first time despite its second quarter growth.
Apple shipped 41.3 million iPhones, representing modest growth of 0.7% over the 41.0 million units shipped last year.
The iPhone continued to perform well at the high end as the iPhone X remains a top seller in many markets.
Apple will look to regain control of the market this fall with the expected launch of three next generations of iPhone models.
The new models are rumored to bring different screens sizes, price points, increased performance, and new features to the table when they arrive next quarter.
Xiaomi has pulled ahead of Samsung for the number 1 position in India over the past few quarters and has now closed the gap with Samsung in Indonesia as it ramped up its local production to address the increased demand during Ramadhan period, while also expanding its online channel presence and opening up more Mi home stores in the country.
OPPO faced a slowdown in key markets like India and most of Southeast Asia as it eased back on its aggressive marketing and sales activities in the region.
Despite this, the company still managed to grow 5.1% over last year as it continued its expansion into other markets such as the Middle East & Africa.
The recent launch of the Find X has also garnered Oppo some praise as the innovative, bezel-less and notch-less design has grabbed the attention of many.
Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.
Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.
He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.
Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.
“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.
“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy
“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire
He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.
“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:
“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.
“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.
“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.
“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.
He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.
“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.
It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.
The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.
With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.
Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.
L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.
The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.
Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”
The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.
In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.
The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.
NIBBS: Banks Close 29.4m Accounts, Dormant Accounts Hit 33.39m
NDPC Hides MultiChoice Privacy Violation Details Despite FOI Request- FIJ
Cardoso, CBN Boss Risks Arrest over Alleged N5.2 Trillion Unremitted Funds
UK Businesses Look to Africa As Strategic Growth Partners
FG Plans N50m STEEM Grant to Support Student Innovation in August
Telecom2 days agoGlo Launches Nigeria’s First-of-its-kind Device Protection Plan
Telecom2 days agoTelcos: How and Why Network Services have Been Poor
Broadcasting2 days agoCanal+ Clears Final Hurdle to Acquire South Africa’s MultiChoice
E-Business2 days agoNIMC Warns Nigerians of Fake NIN Website
Telecom2 days agoMTN Executive Adeola Oduntan Emerges as Africa’s Supply Chain Leader of 2025
- Telecom2 days ago
MTN Nigeria Sweeps Africa’s Procurement Awards With Innovation and Impact
E-Business2 days agoMicrosoft Servers Hacked by Chinese Groups
Telecom2 days agoTelegram to allow U.S. users send, receive crypto directly in app