Polish president signs law banning mobile phones at school
POLAND 31 JUL

Polish president signs law banning mobile phones at school

The President of Poland Karol Nawrocki has signed legislation banning the use of mobile phones in primary schools, for children aged 7 to 15, as well as in preschools, reports TVN24.pl. The ban will take effect on 01 September. Under the amendment, pupils of public and private basic schools will not be allowed to use handsets or other devices that enable communication, audio, or video recording. The ban will apply during lessons, breaks, and other activities taking place in the school. It will also apply to

M.Video says Samsung phones most common trade-in
RUSSIAN FEDERATION 31 JUL

M.Video says Samsung phones most common trade-in

Russian mobile and electronics retail chain M.Video announced the most popular smartphones collected under the trade-in programme from the chain in the first half of this year. The study is based on data from M.Master, the repairs unit of M.Video. Samsung led among brands (47.1 percent of returned smartphones). Xiaomi followed with 17.7 percent, and Apple iPhones accounted for 15.3 percent of trade-ins. Realme (7.4 percent) and Honor (3.7 percent) also were in the top-5 list of brands.

Mediatek realises surprise increase in Q2 sales and forecasts stronger FY growth
GLOBAL 31 JUL

Mediatek realises surprise increase in Q2 sales and forecasts stronger FY growth

MediaTek reported better-than-expected sales for the second quarter, as expansion into new product segments helped offset the slowdown in the smartphone market. Revenue rose 2.0 percent quarter-over-quarter and 1.2 percent year-over-year to TWD 152.2 billion, exceeding the chipmaker's guidance. The trend is expected to continue in Q3, leading to strong growth in the full year.

Elisa Estonia reports 9% fall in smartphone sales in H1
ESTONIA 31 JUL

Elisa Estonia reports 9% fall in smartphone sales in H1

Estonian operator Elisa said that sales of smartphones declined by more than 9 percent in the first half of this year. Nevertheless, revenues grew by more than 3 percent as the average retail price of a device increased by more than 14 percent. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro was the best-seller devices among consumer customers, followed by the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G.   

Sony Q1 results get boost from US tariff refunds
JAPAN 31 JUL

Sony Q1 results get boost from US tariff refunds

Sony reported a strong increase in profits for its fiscal first quarter to June, driven by improved profitability at its mobile imaging sensors business. The company increased its forecasts for full-year results, helped also by positive forex effects, a refund on US trade tariffs at the Playstation division and a takeover in the music business. For the three months to June, revenues rose 8 percent year-on-year to JPY 2.84 trillion, operating profit increased 40 percent to JPY 477 billion, and the net profit

Apple achieves record quarterly sales but sees slower growth ahead
GLOBAL 31 JUL

Apple achieves record quarterly sales but sees slower growth ahead

Apple reported record results for its fiscal third quarter to June, with sales up 16 percent year-on-year to USD 109.4 billion. The company realised double-digit growth across iPhone, Mac and services revenues, and in every geographic segment. It also got a boost from US trade tariff refunds, leading to a 27 percent increase in net profit to USD 29.8 billion. However, the company predicted growth will slow from the next quarter, due in part to supply-chain constraints. 

Latvian smartphone sales down 10% in H1
LATVIA 30 JUL

Latvian smartphone sales down 10% in H1

Smartphone unit sales in Latvia dropped by 10 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to figures from the operator Tele2 Latvia. Sales revenues grew by 1 percent. The operator noted the biggest changes in demand in the entry-leve segment, which makes up more than a third of the entire handset market in Latvia.

Google launches age check API for Play Store developers
GLOBAL 30 JUL

Google launches age check API for Play Store developers

Google is introducing an age-check API that helps Google Play Store app developers verify the age range of end users. Play Age Signals API is programmed to automatically retrieve age data supplied by the parent or guardian in Google's existing Family Link console, a parental control dashboard that supports supervised app usage.

Samsung, Apple strengthen lead as global smartphone market contracts 6% in Q2
GLOBAL 30 JUL

Samsung, Apple strengthen lead as global smartphone market contracts 6% in Q2

Omdia has downgraded its estimate for global smartphone shipments in the second quarter, putting the market drop at 6 percent year-on-year compared to an estimated 4 percent decline announced earlier this month. In total 272.0 million units were shipped in Q2 2026, according to the market researcher. Demand seen in Q1 in anticipation of memory price hikes has disappeared, and the impact of the higher chip costs is now flowing through the market. Samsung and Apple have done best at withstanding the market ef

Ceconomy sticks to FY outlook amid subdued consumer sentiment as Q3 sales rise 10%
EUROPE 30 JUL

Ceconomy sticks to FY outlook amid subdued consumer sentiment as Q3 sales rise 10%

Ceconomy, the parent company of MediaMarktSaturn, said it is maintaining is full-year outlook against the background of subdued consumer sentiment, after sales rose nearly 10 percent in the third quarter to 30 June. MediaMarktSaturn's online business expanded by 18.3 percent from Q3 last year and brick-and-mortar business grew by 4.8 percent, showing that the digital and stationary touchpoints complement each other "perfectly". CEO Remko Rijnder said it has successfully evolved from a traditional retailer t

Qualcomm net profit falls 25% on smartphone market slump
GLOBAL 30 JUL

Qualcomm net profit falls 25% on smartphone market slump

Qualcomm reported lower results for its fiscal third quarter to June, as its expansion into new markets was unable to offset the slowdown in smartphone demand. Revenues declined 4 percent year-on-year to USD 9.95 billion, in line with the company's forecast, and pretax profit fell 17 percent to USD 2.46 billion. The company's net profit was down 25 percent to USD 2.00 billion.

Bouygues Telecom launches 'Certified cheaper or your money back' pledge on new smartphone purchases
FRANCE 29 JUL

Bouygues Telecom launches 'Certified cheaper or your money back' pledge on new smartphone purchases

French telecom operator Bouygues Telecom has launched a new marketing initiative aimed at reassuring customers purchasing smartphones through its sales channels. New handset purchases are now covered by the new 'Certified cheaper or your money back' pledge, which applies if the same model is available at a lower price from a selected group of retailers (Apple Store, Amazon.fr, Auchan, Boulanger, Carrefour, Cdiscount.fr, Darty, Fnac, Free, Orange, SFR and Samsung Store).

GLOBAL 29 JUL

Qorvo reports surging Q1 profits on buoyant operational performance

Signal components maker Qorvo has announced an expansion of its bottom line of more than threefold in its first fiscal 2027 quarter to end-June. Net profits surged to USD 85.8 million from USD 25.6 million a year earlier, thanks in part to a change in the sales mix in Qorvo's Advanced Cellular Products (ACG) Group. Qorvo reported revenue expansion in double figures across its defence and aerospace, infrastructure and power delivery end markets, though its group turnover of USD 784.8 million was 4.2 percent

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 29 JUL

Russians repairing old mobile phones more often - M.Video

Russian mobile and electronics retail chain M.Video said that repairs of devices purchased before 2018 more than doubled by customers in the first half of this year. The study looked at applications from customers to for repairs at the company's chain, M.Master. Battery replacements accounted for 46 percent of all cases, and new screens made up 20 percent of orders. The iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and iPhone X were the models most frequently submitted for repair.

UNITED STATES 29 JUL

NCTC introduces Prosurety-powered customer benefits for mobile handsets

US purchasing alliance National Content and Technology Cooperative (NCTC) is launching an affordability programme to help Americans access subsidies and financing for new mobile handsets marketed by its members. Run in partnership with Prosurety, a home tech lifecycle services provider, NCTC's Complete Device Advantage initiative allows NCTC members to signpost subsidy programmes that include mobile devices in their policies as well as other financing models that help spread the cost of a new handset.

GLOBAL 29 JUL

Skyworks beats EPS mid-case despite lower sales in fiscal Q3

Skyworks Solutions reported revenues in line with prior guidance in its third fiscal quarter to 03 July. Group revenues of USD 935 million were 3.1 percent lower year-on-year but still finished within Skyworks' USD 900 - 950 million outlook. Skyworks CEO and president Phil Brace hailed a solid quarter for the business and noted earnings had surpassed expectations. Adjusted diluted EPS reached USD 1.08 in fiscal Q3, compared with USD 1.03 at the midpoint of Skyworks' sales guidance. The performance reflects

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 29 JUL

Korean operators launch Galaxy Z Fold8 pre-orders with bundles and upgrades

South Korea's three major mobile operators have opened pre-orders for Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, by offering a range of bundled services, device upgrades, trade-in incentives and membership benefits. KT's pre-order programme runs from 28 July to 3 August, with activations beginning on 4 August. The operator is introducing new "Choice Double" plans that combine YouTube Premium Lite with either Netflix's Standard with Ads plan or discounts on devices includin

INDIA 28 JUL

Vivo launches T5e smartphone in India

Vivo has launched the T5e smartphone in India. The device is equipped with a 5500mAh battery and supports 15W fast charging. It features a 6.74-inch HD+ display and is powered by the Unisoc T7225 octa-core processor.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION 28 JUL

MTS Russia sells Huawei MatePad ProMax, opens orders for Pura90s phones

Russian operator MTS said that it has started sales of the tablet Huawei MatePad ProMax in its shops. The Huawei MatePad Pro Max (12/256 GB) PaperMatte Wi-Fi costs RUB 99,990, or RUB 114,990 with the attachable keyboard.

UNITED STATES 28 JUL

Apple confirms new device leasing offer with Klarna in US

Apple has confirmed the launch of a new device leasing offer in the US. People buying hardware directly from Apple can now get an iPhone for as little as USD 17.99 per month and an Apple Watch or iPad from USD 11.99 per month. They must go through a credit check with Klarna to qualify for a lease contract, which can run for 12 or 24 months for the iPhone and Watch and 24 or 36 months for an iPad or Mac. At the end of the contract, they can choose to buy the device for a one-off payment, return it to Apple o

UNITED KINGDOM 28 JUL

VMO2 trials new in-store discovery zone to highlight tech recycling

Virgin Media O2 is piloting a new interactive in-store experience at the flagship O2 store in Westfield Stratford City that looks to boost consumer confidence in buying refurbished tech, donating unused devices and recycling. The store's new 'O2 Tech Refab Lab' discovery zone will help customers learn about sustainable tech reuse and recycling options. It will show how devices are traded through O2 Recycle and refurbished to 'Like New' standard; how they can donate devices to those in need through the Commu

NIGERIA 28 JUL

Samsung offers up to NGN 1 mln in gifts with Galaxy Z Fold8 reservations via Konga

Samsung is accepting advance orders for its Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphones in Nigeria on the Konga e-commerce site until 20 August, with the chance to receive exclusive gift packages worth up to NGN 1 million. Shopping through Samsung's official store on Konga guarantees 100 percent authentic devices and reliable local warranty support. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at NGN 2.59 million for the 256 GB/12 GB variant and the standard Fold8 starts at NGN 2.34 milli

GLOBAL 27 JUL

AppleCare One rolls out in UK, Australia, France, Germany

Apple has announced the launch of AppleCare One, its insurance scheme for multiple devices, in the UK from 01 August 2026. Prices will start from GBP 16.99 per month for up to three devices, with customers able to cover extra devices for GBP 4.99 per month per device. AppleCare One includes all benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited repairs for accidental damage, replacement battery service, and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts. Customers can also cover just their iPhone from GBP 7.99 per month or

UGANDA 27 JUL

Watu Uganda reaches 1 mln financed devices

Watu Uganda said it has financed 1 million devices through Watu Simu, which lets customers acquire smartphones through flexible pay-as-you-go methods. They put down an initial deposit and then pay on manageable instalments rather than the full upfront cost. The service supports people such as boda boda riders, traders, entrepreneurs and students who need a smartphone for payments, customer engagement, market access, inventory management and income generation.

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The week in telecom: Samsung works on foldable challenge, US telcos try FMC

19 JUL 23:41

The week in telecom: OnePlus exits tough smartphone market and Apple takes on OpenAI

12 JUL 23:30

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