Shipments reached 3.59 million units in April, an increase of 1.8% from the same period last year.

The figures come from China’s state-linked research data on handset shipments. Total smartphone shipments in the country stood at 25.73 million units, up 2.8% year on year.

Growth is still present, but only just. April marks the weakest performance for foreign brands in months and sits well below the strength recorded in the first quarter.

In that quarter, foreign brands expanded at a far quicker pace. Apple alone shipped 13.1 million iPhones in China in the first three months of the year, up from 9.2 million a year earlier.

That represents growth of about 42%. The foreign-brand category also posted double-digit gains over the same period.

China’s overall smartphone market, however, did not follow the same direction. Total shipments fell 3.3% in the first quarter to around 69 million units. Domestic brands took the bulk of sales, while foreign players held a smaller share of the market.

Huawei moved back into the top position in China during the quarter for the first time in five years. Apple held second place. Both companies were responsible for much of the activity in the premium segment.

Huawei’s growth was supported by strong demand for its Mate 80 series and its foldable Pura X device. Apple also saw solid demand for its iPhone 17 range. At the same time, Xiaomi recorded a steep decline, with shipments falling by around 35%.

Outside China, Apple reached a major milestone in the same period. It became the world’s largest smartphone maker in the first quarter of 2026, taking a 21% global market share.

Samsung followed, also at 21%. The iPhone 17 series performed strongly, taking several top positions in global sales rankings.

Back in China, the April slowdown for foreign brands stands out. The 1.8% rise shows demand has cooled compared with the earlier surge.

The figures do not break down individual companies, but Apple is still the dominant foreign company in the market. Other brands such as Samsung and Sony account for the remainder of the category.

The environment helps explain some of the movement. High memory chip costs have affected pricing across the industry.

Apple has largely avoided major price increases, while several competitors adjusted prices upward. That shift appears to have pulled some demand forward into earlier months.

There is also a seasonal pattern. April often shows weaker growth in smartphone markets as consumers wait for later product cycles. I note that this period usually sits between early-year demand spikes and the build-up to new launches later in the year.

Market-wide data supports this slowdown. March shipments reached 21.15 million units, down 7.1% year on year but up strongly from February. Domestic brands accounted for the vast majority of sales during that period, leaving foreign brands with a stable but limited share.

Apple has been working to steady its position in China after a difficult 2024. The strong first quarter suggested a recovery was under way, driven by both replacement demand and interest in the latest iPhone models.

April complicates that picture. One month does not define a trend, but it does interrupt the pace seen earlier in the year. The next set of data will be important. May and June figures will show whether demand has simply paused or whether growth is levelling out.

There is also a comparison effect to consider. Late 2025 saw unusually strong foreign-brand shipments, which makes current year-on-year growth harder to sustain. That base effect is likely to influence the rest of 2026 reporting.

China’s smartphone market is stable but not expanding. Foreign brands are still growing, but at a far slower rate than earlier in the year. Apple is still a key driver in the premium segment, but the scale has clearly eased.

The post Foreign Smartphone Shipments in China Slow to 1.8% as Apple Growth Cools appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• Plans to produce and sell over 500,000 smart devices within the next calendar year
• BOI delighted about Imose Technologies’ Laptops, smart devices, says company embodies the Nigerian Dream

Imose Technologies, an indigenous original equipment manufacturer in Nigeria, is set to push its Imose Zedon X-Pro laptops, mobile phones and tablets into the mass market, Techeconomy can authoritatively report.  

The company is also on track to produce and sell over 500,000 devices within the next calendar year, with the first set of laptops to be launched around November this year, Techeconomy gathered, exclusively.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the newly appointed managing director/ chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), was at Imose Technologies’ assembly factory in Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday 3 September.

He expressed delight about the locally produced Imose Zedon X-Pro laptops, mobile phones and tablets during a tour of plant.

In line with its six thematic areas for economic growth and development impact namely, SMEs, youth and skills, digital economy, infrastructure, climate and gender, the BOI provided a N2 billion loan facility to Imose Technologies in 2023 to expand its operation.

The visit was therefore aimed at reviewing the organisation’s progress since receiving the facility.

During his presentation, Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, chairman and founder, Imose Technologies, appreciated the BOI for its support and stated that the facility from BOI had fuelled the company’s growth.

“Our staff strength has grown from less than 100 to over 200, 48% of which are women, and that is in line with the BOI thematic areas. We are also focused on providing products that support education. Today, Imose Technologies is the largest local manufacturer of educational tablets and laptops which compete favourably with international brands.

“In addition, we have built a wide distribution network and several service centres across the country to stay close to our customers and provide warranty support and after-sales service; that is why we are on track to produce and sell over 500,000 devices within the next calendar year,” Izedonmwen said.

In his response, Dr Olusi said the devices are a fantastic example of “made in Nigeria, used in Nigeria products.” Furthermore, he described Imose Technologies as a great Nigerian story which the BOI is very proud to be associated with.

“Imose Technologies embodies the Nigerian dream. I am fascinated by your story of success, resilience and focus on impact.

“Your focus on female employment, digital technology and transformation, a wide distribution network that shows strong support for MSMEs, and youth development through education check four of the six thematic areas of the BOI. This shows that we are in alignment.

“The BOI is committed to standing side-by-side with Imose Technologies to ensure that the company’s value chain is further developed.

“We believe that it is by developing the value chain that we can also contribute to your growth and job creation in this country,” Olusi said.

He encouraged Imose Technologies to think globally starting with the African region while highlighting the opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

Imose Technologies commenced operation a decade ago with its flagship IM-10 Desktop GSM Phone. After two years, it expanded its product line to include the Omotab, an educational tablet for children which has now become a market leader in the educational tablet space.

The company’s products have further expanded and now include;

1. Swag 1s Pro,
2. Waka 1s Pro,
3. Sabi+,
4. Padi II,
5. MyGee and
6. MyGee+,
7. feature phones,
8. Bam III and
9. Sempe smartphones,
10. Omotab 2 and
11. Omotab educational tablets,
12. Opor and X3 tablets,
13. M022 MiFi, R0516 Router,
14. IM-10i and IM-10D Pro desktop phones.

In 2023, the indigenous technology company opened its first assembly factory at the Benin Technical College in Edo State.

With the BOI’s intervention, the second factory was opened in Lagos at the beginning of 2024.

Both assembly factories can produce up to 1 million smart devices and laptops annually.

Imose Technologies is also certified by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) licensed to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, and sell smart devices and laptops in Nigeria.

The post LOCAL CONTENT: Imose Laptops, Smartphones to Hit Market Soon appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This significant recognition signifies the SPARK 20 Pro+’s outstanding performance in the international design arena and further illustrates TECNO’s strength in product design.

Organised by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the French Design Awards, recognized as a prestigious international honour within the global design community, prioritizes impartial evaluation with a distinguished panel of globally experienced judges.

By bringing together diverse talents from across the globe, the French Design Awards illuminate the power of design to shape the world and the universal impact of innovative design.

The competition, featuring expert judges from the UK, New Zealand, Portugal, Germany, and more, received over 1,000 entries from 30+ countries, highlighting the universal impact of innovative design across diverse fields.

“It is a privilege for us to extend recognition to global designers through the French Design Awards, a united community that amplifies their profound influence across the design industry,” stated Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of the IAA. He added, “I am pleased to witness the exceptional design features of the SPARK 20 Pro+, and it’s thrilling to observe a remarkable fusion of design and innovation in their product.”

TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ has been beautifully designed and refined to create a sleek and ergonomic device that appeals to modern, trend-setting Gen-Z users.

Inspired by the universe, the Quadrant Star Array Camera Design of the SPARK 20 Pro+ boasts an impressive 108MP main camera, showcasing a sophisticated visual aesthetic with its symmetrical design.

The 56.5° Ergonomics Double Curved Design, with G3-curvature, offers a sleek 7.55mm body at only 175g, ensuring aesthetics and comfort. Introducing a glasses-free 3D design, the device uses nanoscale photolithography for a unique visual experience and camera module protection.

Beyond the aesthetics of the design, the SPARK 20 Pro+ prioritizes sustainability and user experience. Reflecting an innovative approach, the device offers Magic Skin 2.0, a second-generation advanced silicon leather material, boosting its sustainable and anti-bacterial properties. With Magic Skin, users enjoy a premium and luxurious texture and durability like genuine leather.

SPARK 20 Pro+’s recognition at the French Design Award reaffirms TECNO’s expanding global influence and innovative capabilities, acknowledging the brand’s distinctive fusion of contemporary modern design with cutting-edge technology.

What you should know about TECNO

• TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries and regions across five continents.
• Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies.
• Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems, and smart home products.
• Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals.
• By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures.

The post Design Excellence Recognized: TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ Wins Big at French Design Awards 2024 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

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In the healthcare industry specifically, medical professionals and patients use their mobile devices for reasons like conducting telehealth appointments and monitoring chronic conditions. This results in a lot of collected and shared data, often across various platforms.

However, we have to take into account the sensitive nature of the collected and shared information. Mobile security for healthcare data is a major concern.

Let’s explore ways in which the healthcare industry uses mobile phones and tips on securing private information to responsibly engage in healthcare-related activities on these devices.

How Mobile Phones Are Used in the Healthcare Industry

Mobile devices are used throughout the healthcare industry. The internet of things (IoT) streamlines healthcare by providing access to information across devices.

Nurses, doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals use a network of mobile devices to collect, transfer, and store data on their patients.

Medical professionals also use mobile phones directly in patient care. For example, telehealth is becoming more popular.

Patients can have an appointment with their doctor on their smartphone. They just have to prepare for a telehealth visit by acquiring an internet connection, making healthcare more accessible and comfortable.

As helpful as mobile phones can be for eliminating silos in healthcare and making patient care more accessible, they also present significant challenges for healthcare endpoint management. For example, it can be difficult for information technology departments in medical facilities to manage every mobile phone and ensure they employ proper cybersecurity tools and practices.

Ethical concerns of healthcare data tracking

Further, there’s a constant spotlight on the ethics of data tracking in healthcare facilities. Collecting and storing patient data is vital for quality care. By doing so, medical professionals can better tailor a patient’s healthcare plan.

The big mistake, though, occurs when facilities and medical professionals don’t transparently communicate the data tracking process to their patients.

Patients should never find out their information is being tracked and used when an ad related to their condition suddenly pops up on their browser.

More concerning even, they may receive a call from a third party about information they only shared with their doctor. But unfortunately, this happens.

The good news is that the healthcare industry is making patient data security a priority. For example, there’s more transparency with patients about their rights regarding data privacy.

They’re offering guidance for patients who want to use mobile devices for their appointments. Healthcare facilities are also dedicating teams to protecting patients and their data.

Although the healthcare industry still has significant work to do in securing patient data and monitoring the use of mobile phones, it’s making progress.

Tips for Ensuring Privacy on Your Mobile Phone and Securing Your Healthcare Information

As critical a role as the healthcare industry plays in securing patient data, patients also shoulder some of the responsibility for keeping their mobile devices and personal information secure.

Here are three tips for securing private health information and responsibly engaging in healthcare-related activities on your mobile phone.

Understand the basics of protecting patient healthcare information

One of the first things you can do to ensure your patient data is secure is to understand the basics of protecting patient healthcare information. In other words, learn your rights as a patient regarding your data and the responsibility the healthcare industry has to protect it.

Start your research on the Health Insurance and Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) website to learn your patient rights under HIPAA. Get a rundown of what the HIPAA rules cover.

Most saliently, HIPAA rules don’t apply to activities performed on your personal mobile phone. Any device outside the healthcare provider’s purview isn’t covered.

Even an app or accessory suggested by your doctor to accompany a regulated medical device likely isn’t covered. It has to comply with specific guidelines to be considered a “mobile medical app,” and only a tiny percentage of these apps and accessories fall into this category.

So, dig deep into HIPAA rules and regulations. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the medical professionals you’re working with about who has access to your personal information, how and when they have that access, and what they could potentially do with your data.

Always use a secure network

Whenever you use a mobile device for telehealth appointments, access your healthcare facility’s patient portal, or partake in another health-related activity, do it on a secure network.

We understand that many people don’t have access to a secure network and public Wi-Fi is sometimes the only option. However, accessing and transmitting your private patient information unencrypted or over insecure network connections opens you up to serious cybersecurity threats.

Do your best to always use a secure network, even if you have to do extra work to ensure your telehealth appointments or other interactions are scheduled around when you have access to one.

Limit the personal information you share and store on your mobile phone

Although you may have to share and store your patient information on your mobile phone at some point, it doesn’t have to stay there forever. And, you don’t have to share and store everything. Don’t keep any confidential healthcare information on your phone for longer than needed.

Adopt the attitude that your data will probably be transferred or communicated to someone else. This will help you think twice about sharing the information and determine if it’s absolutely necessary for your care.

It’s also a good idea to turn off your location services so that particular piece of sensitive information isn’t accidentally shared. Delete location and activity history from any apps your doctor recommends using to support your healthcare. And, ensure they have robust privacy policies before even downloading them.

Conclusion

As we become a more digitally-focused world, understand that this opens the door for more of our data to be tracked, collected, transferred, and stored.

The healthcare industry and we as individuals are responsible for ensuring patient data is secure, no matter the devices we use.

[Lead Image Source: Pixabay]

The post How Is Patient Healthcare Information Being Tracked via Mobile Phones? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.