iWorld
Global smartphone shipments increase in first quarter amidst trade concerns
MUMBAI: According to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone1 shipments experienced a 1.5 per cent year-over-year increase in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 304.9 million units. This performance aligned with IDC forecasts, attributed to manufacturers increasing production in anticipation of potential US tariffs on imports from China.
IDC vice-president Francisco Jeronimo noted that geopolitical uncertainty and the threat of US tariff hikes on Chinese goods led vendors to accelerate production and pull forward significant shipment volumes, particularly into the US market, during the first quarter. This supply-side action resulted in shipment figures exceeding levels expected based on underlying consumer demand.
IDC group vice president Ryan Reith highlighted that while the US government’s recent pause on smartphone import tariffs from China provides temporary relief, the continued reliance on China’s supply chain and ongoing tariff volatility create challenges for future planning and decision-making for many companies. He suggested that US smartphone brands should leverage the tariff exemption to maximize building and shipping. Additionally, he cautioned that economic uncertainty could potentially dampen consumer demand in the coming months.
The US smartphone market saw growth of over five per cent in the first quarter, despite the impact of tariffs and trade tensions on disposable income. IDC research director Anthony Scarsella attributed this growth to increased consumer interest in new models from leading manufacturers and a sense of urgency to purchase before potential price increases. He also suggested that the 90-day tariff pause could further boost sales in the second quarter.
Globally, the first quarter saw growth among major smartphone vendors, particularly Chinese companies in their domestic market, supported by government subsidies extended to smartphones in January 2025. This subsidy program aims to stimulate consumption for products priced below yuan 6,000 ($820).
Among the top vendors:
* Samsung regained market leadership, driven by the continued success of its Galaxy S25 premium devices and the mid-range Galaxy A series, including the latest Galaxy A36 and A56 featuring more affordable AI capabilities.
* Apple achieved its highest first-quarter shipments ever, attributed to stockpiling to mitigate potential US ariffs and to address potential supply chain disruptions in other regions. However, its performance in China declined as its Pro models were not included in the Chinese government subsidy program.
* Xiaomi’s performance was primarily driven by growth in China due to the government subsidies, positively impacting sales of its mid-range products.
* Oppo regained the fourth position despite a decline in shipments due to weaker performance in international markets, which was not fully offset by growth in China.
* Vivo experienced substantial year-on-year growth of 6.3 per cent, supported by subsidies in China and growth in international markets, with strong performance in low-end devices and the V series.
In conclusion, while the global smartphone market showed positive shipment growth in the first quarter of 2025, the ongoing US-China trade war and tariff volatility continue to present significant concerns for the remainder of the year.
iWorld
Why Peaky Blinders is one of television’s biggest hits that still deserves more attention
Six seasons, multiple awards and the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man bring the Shelby saga back into the spotlight
In the crowded universe of streaming content, only a handful of shows manage to leave a lasting cultural footprint. Peaky Blinders is overwhelmingly considered one of the biggest global hits of the past decade. Yet many viewers still haven’t fully explored the dark, gripping world of the Shelby family.
Originally produced for the UK’s BBC and later finding a massive global audience through Netflix, the series quietly grew from a British period drama into a worldwide streaming phenomenon.
Created by Steven Knight, the show follows the rise of the Shelby crime family in post-First World War Birmingham. What begins as a gritty street-gang story gradually expands into a sweeping narrative about ambition, politics, power and survival.
At the centre of the saga is Thomas Shelby, portrayed with extraordinary depth by Cillian Murphy. The casting of Murphy is widely regarded as perfect for the role. With piercing eyes, restrained dialogue and an almost hypnotic screen presence, he transforms Shelby into one of the most unforgettable characters in modern screen storytelling.
Murphy’s brilliance lies in his restraint. He rarely shouts or performs theatrically. Instead, a quiet stare, a calculated pause or a subtle shift in expression conveys the emotional storms within the character. Beneath the ruthless gang leader is a war veteran carrying trauma, guilt and loneliness. Murphy captures this complexity with remarkable precision, making Thomas Shelby both terrifying and deeply human.
Beyond its central performance, Peaky Blinders stands out for its unfiltered portrayal of reality. The show does not romanticise crime. Instead, it exposes the harsh social conditions of early 20th-century Britain, from poverty and class struggle to political extremism and the psychological scars left by war.
The series also presents powerful female characters who hold their own within the Shelby empire. Polly Gray, played by Helen McCrory, is the strategic backbone of the family and one of the most formidable figures in the story. Women in the series shape decisions, influence power structures and challenge the rigid social norms of the time.
Across six seasons, the narrative grows dramatically in scale. What begins in the smoky streets of Birmingham evolves into a story involving political conspiracies, fascism and international criminal networks.
The series has also earned significant critical acclaim. It won the BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series in 2018 and multiple National Television Awards for Best Drama, cementing its reputation as one of Britain’s most celebrated modern shows.
Another defining feature of the series is its iconic music. The show’s opening theme, Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, became instantly recognisable and widely associated with the Shelby universe. Combined with a powerful soundtrack featuring artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead, the music helped shape the show’s dark, stylish identity and became hugely popular among fans.
And the Shelby story is not over yet.
In fact, its legacy is unfolding right now. The long-awaited feature-length continuation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, was released on March 6, 2026, bringing the Shelby universe from streaming screens to cinemas and giving fans a new chapter in the saga.
For viewers who have not yet stepped into this world, the timing could not be better.
Six gripping seasons are ready to binge on Netflix. A new film has just arrived in theatres. And at the heart of it all stands one of the most magnetic performances in modern drama by Cillian Murphy.
So if Peaky Blinders has been sitting on your watchlist for years, this weekend is your moment.
So, by order of the Peaky fookin’ Blinders, consider this your cue to finally step into the ruthless world of Thomas Shelby. Pour yourself a drink, clear your schedule and press the play button. Because when the Peaky Blinders give an order, you listen.
