The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition — comprising six of the largest mobile operators in Africa — on Tuesday announced that six countries on the continent have been earmarked for the launch of its low-cost device priced at just US$40 (R660). The announcement was made during a press conference at the African Pavilion stand at Mobile…
The GSMA has secured commitments from 18 smartphone manufacturers to support the rollout of a $40 4G smartphone aimed at reducing Africa’s mobile internet usage gap. The initiative was launched at MWC Kigali in October 2024 and sets minimum technical standards for an affordable 4G device designed for African users. At least 8 vendors have…
Memory shortages will constrain sales of smartphones for some time, hurting demand for chip industry companies like supplier Qualcomm and chip architecture designer ARM Holdings, executives and analysts said on Wednesday as both companies reported results that disappointed investors. Among the world’s largest smartphone chip designers, Qualcomm is dealing with relatively tepid orders as customers…
Global smartphone shipments rose 2% year on year in 2025, lifted by stronger demand and economic momentum in emerging markets, Counterpoint Research said on Monday. Apple led the market with a 20% share, the largest among the top five brands, supported by solid demand in emerging and mid-sized markets and strong sales of the iPhone…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi India has proposed requiring smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes as part of a raft of security measures, prompting behind-the-scenes opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung. The tech companies have countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would also…
Oppo’s new Find X9 Pro has a 7 500mAh silicon-carbon battery Silicon is the second most abundant element in Earth’s crust after oxygen and its uses in the technology sector are expanding. In 2026, its use in battery and charging technology is set to go mainstream, especially in mobile devices. In 2025, several Chinese smartphone…
Fred Zhou, CEO of Honor South Africa. (Photograph by Lesley Moyo) Chinese smartphone brand Honor is celebrating selling over one million units in South Africa’s tightly-contested market. Fred Zhou, CEO of Honor in South Africa, tells ITWeb via e-mail that reaching over one million units in sales this year is a clear indicator of the…
Launch event of MTN Zambia’s 4G Cloud Smartphone solution in Lusaka, Zambia MTN Zambia has launched the world’s first 4G cloud smartphone solution, marking a major step forward in addressing digital inclusion challenges across the country. The new service integrates affordable Alola smartphones, a high-quality 4G network and the AppJoy cloud ecosystem, delivering a “low-cost,…
New Delhi — India’s government revoked an order on Wednesday that had directed smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung to install a state-developed and owned security app on all new devices. The move came after two days of criticism from opposition politicians and privacy organizations that the “Sanchar Saathi” app was an effort to snoop…
An acute global shortage of memory chips is forcing AI and consumer electronics companies to fight for dwindling supplies, as prices soar for the unglamorous but essential components. Japanese electronics stores have begun limiting how many hard disk drives shoppers can buy. Chinese smartphone makers are warning of price increases. Tech giants including Microsoft, Google…
