Apple Ships 58.6M Units, Salesforce Invests $15B in AI

The global smartphone market is experiencing a resurgence, with third-quarter shipments rising 2.6% year-over-year, largely propelled by demand for premium and AI-enabled devices. Samsung led the market with 61.4 million units shipped, closely followed by Apple with 58.6 million units. Samsung's AI-powered products have also driven significant sales growth in India during recent festivals, with notable increases in smartphones, TVs, and home appliances. Beyond consumer electronics, AI is making inroads into various industries. DXC Technology is launching AI-powered applications for the insurance sector, leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance operations. InsurTech company Socotra is using AI to drastically cut down product development and configuration times, potentially by 50% for configuration and testing and 75% for development costs. In the realm of cybersecurity, AI is becoming indispensable for detecting and responding to evolving threats, with edge AI strengthening defenses for critical infrastructure by enabling faster, localized decision-making. However, the rapid growth of AI is not without its risks. Historical parallels suggest that the current AI boom, marked by massive investments, could lead to an economic bust if overinvestment and market imbalances persist. This caution is underscored by recent incidents, such as Deloitte facing backlash for errors in an AI-generated report that used Microsoft's Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model, highlighting the material business risks associated with AI. Salesforce is doubling down on AI, announcing a $15 billion investment in San Francisco over five years to establish an AI incubator hub. In education, schools like Alexandria Area High School are grappling with the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, balancing their potential for learning with concerns about misuse and the impact on critical thinking. Meanwhile, Rilla's AI coaching software is boosting sales for home service professionals, increasing average ticket size by 13% and close rates by 1.9%. On a broader scale, MTN Group is urging Africa to accelerate AI investment in digital infrastructure and local language support to ensure inclusive growth and avoid falling behind globally. Even in niche areas, AI is transforming fields like golf course design and turf management, with tools assisting in everything from weed identification to disease prediction.

Key Takeaways

• Global smartphone shipments increased by 2.6% in Q3 2025, driven by AI-enabled devices, with Samsung leading shipments (61.4 million) and Apple second (58.6 million).
• Samsung saw record festive sales in India, with AI-powered smartphones, TVs, and appliances contributing to significant year-on-year growth.
• DXC Technology is launching AI-powered applications for the insurance industry, integrating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to modernize operations.
• Socotra's new AI tool, Agentic Configuration, can reduce insurance product configuration and testing timelines by 50% and development costs by 75%.
• AI and edge AI are crucial for enhancing cybersecurity, enabling faster threat detection, response, and resilience for critical systems.
• Salesforce is investing $15 billion in San Francisco over five years to foster AI adoption and establish an AI incubator hub.
• Deloitte is refunding a client due to significant errors in an AI-generated report that utilized Microsoft's Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model, highlighting AI's business risks.
• Rilla's AI coaching software has improved sales for Neighborly home service professionals, increasing average ticket size by 13% and close rates by 1.9%.
• MTN Group calls for urgent AI investment in Africa, emphasizing the need for digital infrastructure and support for African languages in AI models.
• Historical patterns of technological booms suggest that the current AI investment surge could potentially lead to an economic bust if market imbalances persist.

Samsung's AI features boost India festival sales

Samsung experienced a significant increase in sales in India during the Navratri and Dussehra festivals, largely due to its AI-enhanced products. Premium smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S24 series saw record demand. The company also reported strong sales for its AI-powered TVs and home appliances, with sales doubling for TVs over 32 inches and growing 1.3 times for appliances compared to the previous year. Samsung expects this AI-driven sales momentum to continue through the Diwali festival.

Global smartphone sales climb on AI upgrades

Global smartphone shipments increased by 2.6% in the third quarter, driven by demand for premium and AI-enabled devices. Despite economic uncertainty, sales were boosted by advanced features and attractive deals. Apple's iPhone 17 lineup and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 models performed strongly. Samsung led shipments with 61.4 million units, followed by Apple with 58.6 million. IDC predicts continued growth through the end of the year due to promotions and AI advancements.

AI phones power global smartphone sales in 2025

Global smartphone shipments rose 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025, reaching 322.7 million units. This growth was fueled by strong demand for high-end and AI-powered phones, despite economic uncertainty. Apple's iPhone 17 and Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 saw significant sales. Samsung maintained its market lead with 61.4 million units shipped, while Apple shipped 58.6 million. Industry experts anticipate continued growth through the year, supported by AI innovations and promotional offers.

Samsung India achieves record festive sales with AI products

Samsung India reported record-breaking sales during the Navratri festival, driven by its AI-powered smartphones, premium TVs, and home appliances. Sales of smartphones priced above ₹30,000 increased by 40% year-on-year, with models like the Galaxy S24 series performing well. AI-powered Neo QLED and OLED TVs saw a 100% sales increase following GST rate cuts. Home appliance sales also grew by 30%, supported by offers and energy-efficient features. Samsung anticipates this AI-fueled growth to continue into Diwali.

DXC Technology launches AI apps for insurance industry

DXC Technology has launched DXC Assure Smart Apps, a new suite of AI-powered applications designed to modernize insurance operations. These applications use intelligent automation and modular innovation to help insurers improve customer engagement, decision-making, and overall performance. The Assure Smart Apps integrate with existing core systems and leverage cloud capabilities from Amazon Web Services (AWS). This launch aims to accelerate AI adoption in the insurance sector, enabling faster deployment and scalability.

Socotra uses AI for faster insurance product setup

InsurTech company Socotra has introduced Agentic Configuration, an AI-driven tool that allows insurers to build and manage product configurations using natural language. This new feature aims to significantly reduce product development time and costs, addressing the industry's shortage of technical talent. By using conversational AI, insurers can accelerate time-to-market and improve efficiency. Socotra claims this can cut configuration and testing timelines by 50% and reduce development costs by 75%.

AI security helps organizations fight cyber threats

Artificial intelligence is crucial for organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. AI-driven security systems can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, filter out false positives, and detect patterns that humans might miss. Unlike traditional methods that rely on known signatures, AI learns from behavior to identify new attack methods proactively. Automation powered by AI enables rapid response to contain threats within seconds, minimizing damage. This technology also acts as a force multiplier for organizations with limited resources, enhancing their defensive capabilities.

Edge AI strengthens cyber defenses for critical systems

Edge AI is emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing operations and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. By processing data closer to the source, it enables faster decision-making for frontline units and autonomous systems. In civilian contexts, edge AI improves the efficiency and security of power grids and water systems, allowing them to function even if central networks are compromised. This technology bolsters resilience by enabling local actions when external networks fail, ensuring essential services can continue during cyberattacks.

History shows AI boom could lead to a major bust

The current massive investment in Artificial Intelligence mirrors historical technological booms like the railroads and the Second Industrial Revolution. These periods saw revolutionary technology, significant investment, and government support, but also led to overinvestment, monopolies, and eventual economic upheaval. The dot-com bubble also followed a similar pattern of rapid growth and subsequent collapse. While AI's potential is immense, historical trends suggest a potential for a significant bust if overinvestment and market imbalances continue unchecked.

Rilla AI boosts sales for Neighborly home service pros

Rilla and Neighborly have partnered to enhance sales performance for plumbers and HVAC technicians within the Neighborly franchise network. Rilla's AI coaching software analyzes customer conversations in real-time, providing insights for managers to coach service professionals more effectively. This collaboration has led to a 13% increase in average ticket size and a 1.9% boost in close rates for participating franchises. The partnership has analyzed over 375,000 customer conversations, driving thousands of coaching moments and improving customer service consistency.

Salesforce invests $15 billion in San Francisco for AI

Salesforce announced a $15 billion investment in San Francisco over the next five years to accelerate AI adoption. The company will establish a new AI incubator hub on its campus to support companies in adopting AI agents. This investment underscores Salesforce's commitment to its hometown and advancing AI innovation. The announcement comes ahead of the company's Dreamforce conference, which is expected to draw significant attendance and generate substantial local revenue. Salesforce has also recently committed to investing $1 billion in Mexico.

Deloitte faces backlash for AI errors in client report

Deloitte will refund a client after its AI-generated report contained significant errors, including fabricated quotes and references to nonexistent research. This incident marks one of the first major cases where AI errors have directly impacted a large firm's finances and reputation. Deloitte acknowledged using Microsoft's Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model and stated the report's main findings were unaffected, but the reputational damage is significant. This event serves as a warning about the material business risks associated with AI and the need for greater accountability.

AI transforms golf course design and turf care

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing golf course design and turf management. AI tools like ChatGPT can now identify weeds, provide characteristics, and offer control recommendations, though accuracy still requires testing. Architects are using advanced data collection for course design, while superintendents benefit from complex models for turfgrass management, including disease prediction and soil moisture analysis. Technologies like Deacon's platform help optimize irrigation. Staying informed and willing to adopt new AI technologies is key for professionals in the field.

Africa needs urgent AI investment for growth

MTN Group urges Africa to urgently invest in AI, digital infrastructure, and skills to ensure inclusive growth and avoid falling behind globally. The continent currently has less than 2% of global data center capacity and needs significant investment in electricity and digital infrastructure. Developing African languages for AI models is also crucial, as fewer than 2% are supported by mainstream LLMs. MTN emphasizes the need for partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society to drive AI development and create digital jobs for Africa's youth.

Alexandria High School explores AI in education

Alexandria Area High School is examining the impact of Artificial Intelligence in education. Students are using AI tools like ChatGPT for learning and feedback, though some misuse it to replace their own work. Teachers view AI as a tool but are concerned about its potential to hinder critical thinking if overused. The school is adapting its curriculum to include AI research and discussions about its future career impact. The effectiveness and appropriate use of AI in academics remain a key focus.

Sources

• AI drives strong sales for Samsung during India's festival season
• Global smartphone shipments rise in third-quarter on AI-driven upgrades
• Premium And AI Phones Powered Global Smartphone Sales In 2025
• Samsung Rings in Record Festive Sales with Premium Phones, AI TVs & Appliances
• DXC Launches Assure Smart Apps to Accelerate AI-Driven Innovation in the Insurance Industry
• Socotra introduces AI-driven insurance configuration
• iTWire - How AI-driven security helps organisations stay ahead of evolving cyber threats
• Edge AI emerges as cyber force multiplier, enhancing operations and safeguarding critical installations from evolving threats
• AI is booming—and the bust could be even bigger
• Rilla and Neighborly® Combine Forces to Empower Plumbers, HVAC Technicians with AI
• Salesforce to invest $15 billion in San Francisco over five years
• Deloitte’s AI Blunder in the New Age of Corporate Accountability
• How AI is changing golf course design and turf care
• MTN Group Calls for Urgent Investment in AI, Infrastructure, and Skills to Drive Inclusive Growth in Africa
• Artificial Intelligence Usage in Alexandria Area High School