Shipment data for the first three quarters of 2025 shows HONOR held a top-five position across Western Europe, including the UK. Overseas shipments rose by around 55 per cent year-on-year. HONOR says this the fastest international growth rate among the world’s top ten smartphone brands.

The repositioning is reflected in the UK product line-up where devices such as the HONOR 400 and the Magic V5 have been designed around consumer priorities of battery life and durability, says Omdia. The Magic V5 has also helped HONOR to second place in Western Europe’s book-style foldable segment,

HONOR has increased investment in UK branded retail stores and key account partnerships and tightened control over in-store presentation and consumer engagement. The marketing emphasis has moved towards retail-based education,an in-store demonstrations to explain AI feature sand product differentiation.

The more significant development for the UK channel,is that grow is no longer focused on the sub-£200 segment but has concentrated on the £250 to £400 price band. This segment accounted for roughly 23 per cent of its international shipments last year wihch, claims HONOR, is the highest share among major Chinese vendors.

T

Overseas shipments at the start of 2021 were less than 10 per cent of global volume.This figure rose to nearly 50 per cent last yea.

HONOR continues to build volume in Central and Eastern Europe, where shipments rose 15 per cent in 1Q–3Q25, providing wider regional support for its Western European premium push.

For UK operators and retailers, the message is thaty HONOR is no longer positioning itself as a low-cost alternative but building a mid-to-high-end portfolio and investing in channel execution, with the UK now a key battlegrounds.

The Cheshire-based company is known for ruggedised mobile phones designed for construction, logistics and industrial users. The new senior hires span marketing, sales and digital.

The new chief marketing officer is Amanda Couzens Davies, who will be responsible for marketing, distribution and network support. She previously worked at 20:20 (Now Likewize) and most recently at Assurant, in a senior marketing role supporting device lifecycle and protection services.

Her appointment comes as JCB Tough Phone increases its focus on working more closely with networks to position rugged devices as a core part of enterprise and frontline worker portfolios. 

Ben Stephens has joined from HMD Global as head of corporate and B2B sales to support the company’s B2B operation. He will work within the sales team under Chris Millington, strengthening JCB Tough Phone’s sales into utilities, construction firms and field service organisations. Stephens has held a number of senior commercial roles across the handset sector, spanning both operator and manufacturer partnerships.

The third appointment is Manuel Rosas, who joins from Amazon and will be in charge of digital growth, expanding JCB Tough Phone’s online presence and e-commerce performance and developing a stronger online proposition.

Roy Taylor, CEO  said: “We have strengthened the team following extensive growth in distribution across Europe in 2025, with three impactful recruits to drive further impressive growth. I’m looking forward to what we are going to achieve in 2026.”

The company’s niche products include a phone with an integrated thermal camera.The MAX Pro P20’s (below)  can detects heat loss, electrical issues, and mechanical.failures in real time with a -15°C to 550°C range and claimed two per cent accuracy.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/jcb-tough-phone-toughens-up-team-as-european-expansion-gathers-pace/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ericsson-to-cut-up-to-1600-job-losses-in-sweden-amid-global-cost-cutting-drive/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ericsson-to-cut-up-to-1600-job-losses-in-sweden-amid-global-cost-cutting-drive/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:01:20 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179604 Up to 1,600 roles in Ericsson in Sweden could be lost as part of a wider programme to icontrol the company’s global costs

The plan is one of the most significant potential workforce reductions in its home market in recent years.

In a statement issued today (January 15), the telecoms equipment giant said it had submitted a formal notice to the Swedish Public Employment Service and had begun negotiations with relevant trade unions.

The proposed staff reduction forms part of global initiatives designed to increase operational efficiency while continuing to invest in areas it sees critical to long-term competitiveness.

Ericsson said it remains committed to maintaining its technology leadership and to executing its strategy to deliver “high-performing, programmable networks” that enable differentiated services and new monetisation opportunities for customers.

The company added that efficiency initiatives will continue across the Group, but that further measures will not be announced separately.

Pressure on margins

Network operators across Europe and other mature markets have slowed capital expenditure on 5G rollouts. This has put pressure on vendors’ revenues and margins. Inflation, higher interest rates and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty have forced operators to scrutinise spending,

Ericsson has been simplify its operations and reduce costs for several years. The company has warned of subdued investment from communications service providers, especially in North America, which has historically been one of its strongest regions.

Competition has also intensified, both from rivals and from lower-cost China vendors, queezing pricing in key product categories. Ericsson has emphasised software, programmable networks and services that promise higher margins and longer-term growth as it looks to reduce its overall cost base.

Impact

Ericsson is one of Sweden’s main technology employers Job losses in Sweden will attract close attention from both policymakers and trade unions. A breakdown of which functions or locations may be affected, have not been revealed but discussions with unions are now under way.

Ericsson intends to balance cost reductions with continued investment in advanced network technologies that support automation, enterprise use cases and new revenue streams,.

The announcement says the cull is part of an ongoing efficiency programme rather than a standalone restructuring

IDC expects the memory shortage to create a difficult trade-off for the wider industry in 2026. Volumes are likely to decline, but average selling prices are forecast to rise as vendors pass on higher component costs and prioritise profitability over scale. IDC’s analysis suggests the memory shortage will slow the market and solidify Apple and Samsing’s dominance even further.

IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker show global smartphone shipments rose 2.3 per cent year-on-year in Q4 2025 to 336.3 million units, taking total shipments for the year to 1.26 billion units, a 1.9 per cent increase.

However, IDC says those figures mask problem s caused by an unprecedented shortage of memory components that emerged late in the year.

IDC warns supply disruption will push the smartphone market into decline in 2026, with the severity and duration of the downturn dependent on how long memory constraints persist.

“This is widely considered an unprecedented supply chain disruption. Larger players will be better able to secure advantageous supply and workable price points.”” said Ryan Reith, group vice president for Worldwide Client Devices at IDC. 

Consolidation

IDC says the memory shortage is already affecting the top of the market.  Apple and Samsung last year expanded their combined global smartphone share to 39 per cent, up from 37 per cent a year earlier, as smaller vendors struggled to absorb cost increases and supply volatility.

Premium demand remained resilient, with consumers pulling forward purchases in anticipation of price rises. This favoured strong brands, deep supplier relationships and pricing power.

Apple and Samsung pull ahead

Apple closed 2025 as the world’s largest smartphone vendor for the third consecutive year. Record shipments and a strong rebound in China were driven by the iPhone 17 series. Apple also delivered its highest-ever revenue in a single quarter in Q4, underlining its ability to push average selling prices higher even as components became harder to secure.

Samsung delivered its strongest fourth-quarter growth since 2013, fueled by demand for its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and momentum in its AI-enabled Galaxy A-Series. IDC notes that Samsung’s breadth across premium and mid-range devices gives it additional flexibility as memory availability tightens.

Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for Worldwide Client Devices at IDC, said both vendors used Q4 to strengthen their market positions. “Apple and Samsung consolidated their leadership in the smartphone market by driving strong sales in the premium segment and reaching all-time high average selling prices.”

Rising prices, falling volumes

For UK operators, retailers and channel partners, IDC’s warning is clear. As memory constraints squeeze supply and push prices higher, the market is likely to tilt further towards Apple and Samsung, whose scale allows them to secure components first, manage cost inflation and dictate portfolio strategy.

Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for Worldwide Client Devices at IDC (below), said both vendors used Q4 to strengthen their market positions. “Apple and Samsung consolidated their leadership in the smartphone market by driving strong sales in the premium segment and reaching all-time high average selling prices.”  

Thjis follows Nothing’s $200 million funding round, which closed earlier this year at a $1.3 billion valuation, elevating the company into unicorn territory. That round was led by Tiger Global and included participation from existing investors.

The new capital will support further product development and investment in what it describes as an “AI-native consumer technology platform,” as the company looks beyond smartphones into a broader hardware and software ecosystem.

Nothing said the community offering is designed to give its growing global fan base the opportunity to “own a piece of the company” while it remains privately held, rather than being driven by an urgent need for capital.

The investment is being offered through regulated crowdfunding platforms and opened first to registered members of Nothing’s community, before becoming available more broadly. Shares are being offered at the same price as the Series C round, a move the company says reflects its commitment to fairness and transparency.

Founded in 2020 by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, Nothing has positioned itself as a design-led alternative to mainstream consumer electronics brands, with a focus on smartphones, audio products and software. The company has built a strong identity around community engagement, open product development and distinctive visual design, particularly within the Android smartphone segment.

Nothing claims to have surpassed $1 billion in cumulative lifetime revenue, driven by sales of its Phone and Ear product lines.. The company has expanded distribution across Europe, India and other key markets, and continues to increase its retail footprint through network and independent channel partnerships.

The community funding round is expected to close later this year. Investors should be aware that shares the illiquid cashing them in will be very difficult before an IPO or acquisition.

Announced this week in Seoul, the Galaxy Z TriFold will be sold at an equivalent of nearly £2,000, It is Samsung’s first smartphone with a triple-folding design opening out into a large 10-inch display, positioning it between a traditional smartphone, a foldable and a compact tablet. Samsung says the device is aimed at users who want maximum productivity and immersive entertainment in a single, pocketable device.

The TriFold comes after a decade of Samsung experimentation with large screens and foldable form factors. The new design tackles the challenge of how to balance portability with the ability to create comfortably on a much larger display.

A mate for the Mate

The Huawei Mate XT was the first “tri-fold” smartphone. It wasn’t an out-and-out flop, but it also didn’t become a  mass-market smash. According to Huawei-related reports, by early 2025 the Mate XT had sold around 400,000 units and demonstrated that tri-fold phones are possible,  However high price, limited software appeal outside China, and practical drawbacks has kept it a niche product. 

Folded down, the Galaxy Z TriFold is premium smartphone. Unfolded twice, it becomes what Samsung describes as “its most expansive mobile workspace to date,” allowing users to run multiple apps side by side, review documents, stream video or edit content on a single screen.

Samsung Electronics’ CEO TM Roh said the new device brings together premium performance, productivity and portability in one product. The TriFold, he said, is designed for the “AI era”, where larger screens make it easier to interact with intelligent tools and services.

 Samsung is positioning the TriFold as an “ultra” device in everything but name. It is 3.9mm thick at its thinnest point when unfolded, and powered by a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy. It also features a 200-megapixel main camera. The 5,600mAh battery is the largest Samsung has ever fitted into a foldable smartphone. The battery is split across the three panels to maintain balance, with support for 45W fast charging.

Dual-hinge system

The TriFold uses a new dual-hinge system designed specifically for a device that folds twice. Two differently sized hinges work together to keep the folding motion  stable while minimising gaps between the panels. The inward-folding design also protects the main display when the device is closed.

The display has been reinforced to cope with the additional folding stres. The exterior uses a combination of Advanced Armor Aluminium, a titanium hinge housing and a ceramic-glass composite back to improve rigidity without adding bulk. Samsung says every unit undergoes extensive inspection, including CT and laser scanning, to ensure build quality.

The large screen enables several software features designed to appeal to business users and creatives. The TriFold supports advanced multi-window multitasking, allowing up to three portrait-style apps to be used side by side. Samsung DeX is also available in a standalone mode, turning the device into a portable desktop-style workstation without needing an external PC. With a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, users can run multiple apps across different workspaces or connect to an external monitor.

Samsung has also optimised Galaxy AI features for the larger display. Tools such as photo editing, browsing summaries and live AI assistance are designed to make better use of the extra screen real estate, with side-by-side comparisons and contextual help without constantly switching apps.

On the entertainment side, the 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness levels, delivering what Samsung says is a “cinematic” viewing experience in a device that can still fit in a pocket.

Samsung confirmed the Galaxy Z TriFold will launch first in Korea on 12 December, followed by select markets including China, Taiwan, Singapore, the UAE and the US. There are currently no plans to release the device in the UK or Europe.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/samsung-unveils-three-way-split-galaxy-z-trifold-but-no-uk-or-europe-launch/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/sydney-emergency-call-connection-failure-linked-to-outdated-samsung-phone-software/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/sydney-emergency-call-connection-failure-linked-to-outdated-samsung-phone-software/#respond Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:02:21 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179294 Outdated Saumsung software is said to be why an emergency call on the Australia Triple Zero service failed to connect over the TPG Telecom network, resulting in a fatality

TPG Telecom is one of Australia’s largest full-service operators runs the Vodafone, TPG, iiNet, AAPT, Internode and Lebara brands across a national mobile and fixed network.

The company said the Sydney customer was using a Lebara service on a Samsung handset on 13 November and attempted to contact the Triple Zero emergency number.  However, the calls failed despite the TPG network operating normally at the time. TPG said it was notified of the tragedy by New South Wales Ambulance.

Investigations claim the failure was caused by the user’s Samsung device running outdated software. This was not compatible with making Triple Zero emergency calls on the TPG Telecom network. The company said Samsung had recently identified that certain older Galaxy devices required a software update when connecting to emergency services, particularly when switching between networks.

Samsung has acknowledged the issue, saying it has “identified a number of older mobile devices that will not correctly connect to an alternative mobile network to make Triple Zero calls when the user’s primary network is not available.”

Samsung said it is “working with network partners to ensure all devices operate reliably in every emergency situation”. Sasung urged customers to “keep their mobile devices updated with the latest software.

TPG said it has contacted customers to urge urgent updates. Under new regulations, devices not updated after notification are blocked from the network after 28 to 35 days. The most recent alerts to users with outdated devices were sent just six days before the fatal incident.

“These updates are critical to ensure compatibility with emergency services and to protect customer safety,” the operator said.

TPG Telecom CEO Iñaki Berroeta described the incident as “tragic” and reinforced the company’s message. “We urge all customers with outdated software to replace or update their devices without delay to ensure they can reach Triple Zero in an emergency.”

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/sydney-emergency-call-connection-failure-linked-to-outdated-samsung-phone-software/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/aggressive-trade-in-strategies-boost-apple-and-samsung-global-sales/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/aggressive-trade-in-strategies-boost-apple-and-samsung-global-sales/#respond Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:11:59 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179130 The global smartphone market posted its second consecutive quarter of growth, with shipments rising 2.6 per cent year-on-year to 322.7 million units in Q3 2025, according to research firm IDC. 

The recovery was led almost entirely by Apple and Samsung. Analysts say both manufacturers have mastered the art of driving upgrades by combining hardware innovation with creative financing and trade-in schemes.

“OEMs have combined cutting-edge devices with innovative financing models and aggressive trade-in programs that make upgrading a ‘no-brainer’ for consumers,” said Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC. 

“The accelerated demand for the latest AI products is expected to lead to a strong finish for 2025,” added Anthony Scarsella, research director for mobile phones at IDC. “Apple and Samsung remain firmly in control of the upgrade cycle.”

Apple delivered its best-ever July quarter, fuelled by strong demand for the new iPhone 17 series, while Samsung recorded record July-quarter growth thanks to its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 devices, tthe strongest performance yet for its foldables range.

“Despite economic uncertainty, the smartphone market showed resilience,” said Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for client devices at IDC. “Apple and Samsung performed exceptionally well in the premium segment, while affordable AI-enabled smartphones spurred upgrades in more cost-conscious categories.”

The rest of the industry saw mixed fortunes. Xiaomi consolidated its recovery in Europe and Latin America through its Redmi and Poco ranges. Transsion continued rapid expansion in Africa’s sub-$200 segment. Vivo regained share in emerging markets thanks to refreshed mid-tier AI-powered models.

IDC expects the market’s momentum to continue into Q4, driven by sustained demand for AI-enabled smartphones and aggressive pricing from leading vendors.

The operation cdenamed Echosteep uncovered a criminal network believed to have smuggled up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China over the past year , accounting for as much as 40 per cent of all phones stolen in London. Around 80,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year. Police believe they are exported overseas and resold after being digitally wiped.

Heathrow Discovery

The investigation began last December when a box containing around 1,000 iPhones bound for Hong Kong was discovered at a warehouse near Heathrow Airport. Almost all were confirmed stolen. The discovery triggered a large-scale investigation involving specialist detectives who typically handle armed robbery and drug smuggling cases.

Further forensic work on intercepted shipments led investigators to identify two men believed to be key figures in the operation. In September, two suspects in their 30s were arrested in north-east London on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Officers found stolen phones in their car and seized around 2,000 additional devices at properties linked to the pair. Both men have been charged and remanded in custody.

Detectives uncovered links to street-level thieves and handlers across London. In recent weeks, officers made a further 15 arrests on suspicion of theft, handling stolen goods, and conspiracy to steal. More than 30 suspected stolen devices were recovered during searches at 28 properties across London and Hertfordshire.

Criminal Network

Snior investigating officer for Operation Echosteep Detective Inspector Mark Gavin said the Heathrow discovery was the “starting point for an investigation which uncovered an international smuggling gang responsible for exporting up to 40 per cent of all the phones stolen in London.”

“This group specifically targeted Apple products because of their profitability overseas. Street thieves were being paid up to £300 per handset, and we found evidence of devices being sold for up to $5,000 in China.”

Largest Operation of Its Kind

The Met says Operation Echosteep as the largest coordinated action against mobile phone theft in UK history. Over the past two weeks, 46 arrests have been made during targeted activity aimed at disrupting organised crime networks behind the trade.

Recent operations include the arrest of 11 suspects linked to robberies on courier vans delivering the new iPhone 17. Using intelligence-led policing and advanced tracking technology, officers from the Flying Squad intercepted planned thefts and seized stolen devices.

On 25 September, two men were arrested at a phone shop on Seven Sisters Road, Islington, on suspicion of money laundering and handling stolen goods. Around £40,000 in cash and multiple stolen devices were seized. Both have been bailed pending further investigation.

In another case, a man was charged with handling stolen goods after being stopped at Heathrow Airport with 10 suspected stolen phones, two iPads, two laptops and two Rolex watches. Further inquiries revealed he had travelled between London and Algeria more than 200 times in two years.

Disrupting the Stolen Phone Market

Commander Andrew Featherstone, the Met’s lead for tackling phone theft, said:
“This is the most extraordinary operation of its kind that the Met has ever undertaken. We’ve dismantled criminal networks at every level, from street thieves to international organised crime groups exporting tens of thousands of stolen devices each year.

“This is a clear sign of our commitment to driving down crime. But we need more help from the industry. We’re calling on phone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung to do more to protect their customers especially around phone security and device reuse.”

The Met says its recent enforcement activity has led to significant arrests, the recovery of thousands of stolen devices, and major disruption to international trafficking routes. As a result, personal robbery has fallen by 13 per cent and theft is down 14 per cent across London so far this year.

National Support 

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones  said
“This sends a clear message: if you’re involved in phone theft — on the streets, behind shop counters, or as part of an organised gang — we’re coming after you. I want to see more of these large-scale interventions, which is why we’re putting more police on the streets and giving them stronger powers to track down those responsible.”

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/met-dismantles-smuggling-gang-in-uks-largest-phone-theft-crackdown/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/apple-resists-renewed-uk-govt-demand-to-access-encrypted-icloud-data/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/apple-resists-renewed-uk-govt-demand-to-access-encrypted-icloud-data/#respond Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:23:29 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179092 Apple is again at the centre of a high-stakes clash with the UK government over encrypted data, after Home Office officials issued a fresh order demanding access to British users’ iCloud accounts.

According to reports, the Home Office has revived a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) under the Investigatory Powers Act, requiring Apple to provide a way for authorities to access encrypted iCloud backups. The move follows a similar order earlier this year, which Apple appealed in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).

That case is still under way, with hearings conducted behind closed doors. While the government attempted to keep even the existence of the dispute secret, senior judges have insisted that “bare details” be made public, confirming Apple as the claimant. A final ruling has yet to be delivered, and the full terms of the notice remain classified.

In response to the government’s demands, Apple disabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK in February, blocking new users from enabling end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups. The company has since guided existing customers to disable the feature, but has insisted it has not built, and will not build, a “back door” into its systems.

The dispute has also spilled into international politics. Earlier this year, US intelligence officials confirmed that the UK had dropped an earlier requirement for Apple to provide access to American users’ data after Washington raised security concerns. The latest notice is understood to focus specifically on UK residents.

The UK is Apple’s third-largest market in Europe, and compliance could set a precedent for governments elsewhere seeking to bypass encryption. For UK businesses, the outcome could shape how securely corporate data stored in iCloud is protected and how far regulators can reach into technology providers’ infrastructure.

Forcing Apple to create a technical workaround risks weakening trust in digital services. Any back door created for government use is by definition a vulnerability that others can exploit,

The legal battle is expected to continue into 2026. In the meantime, Apple faces pressure to reassure UK customers and corporate clients that their data remains secure even as government demands for access intensify.