Looks like curiosity about AI may be boosting smartphone sales. Shipments of smartphones increased 1% year over year in the second quarter of 2025, despite tariff volatility and worldwide economic instability,

Global smartphone shipments increased 1% to 295.2 million units in the second quarter, despite tariff concerns and macroeconomic uncertainty, according to preliminary data from research firm IDC. Sellers have continued to push higher price points to make up for the slowdown in unit shipments by offering AI in more affordable devices,