The smartwatch market has reportedly peaked, with global sales declining by 7% in 2024, particularly affecting Apple, which saw a 19% drop in sales due to a lack of new features. In other tech news, Intel appointed a new CEO amid challenges in the semiconductor industry, while China tested its first extreme ultraviolet machine for advanced chip manufacturing, and Apple faced delays with its AI upgrade for Siri.
In this week’s update, it was reported that the smartwatch market may have reached its peak, with a notable decline in global sales. According to Counterpoint, smartwatch shipments fell by 7% in 2024, marking the first-ever global decline in this sector. Apple was particularly affected, experiencing a significant 19% drop in sales, likely due to a lack of compelling new features in its latest models, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 10. Samsung’s growth was modest at 3%, despite the release of its Galaxy Watch 7, while Chinese brands showed some growth, albeit from a small base. The overall trend suggests that many consumers who wanted smartwatches may have already purchased one, leading to a market primarily focused on replacements.
In other news, Intel has appointed a new CEO, LEP Ban, who is a veteran in the chip industry. His leadership comes at a critical time as Intel faces challenges in its design and manufacturing sectors. Ban has indicated that he does not plan to split these divisions, which had been a concern among analysts. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that TSMC, a major competitor, proposed a joint venture to acquire 50% of Intel’s foundry business, highlighting the precarious position Intel finds itself in within the semiconductor industry.
China made headlines with its first-ever extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machine, which is essential for advanced chip manufacturing. This machine is reportedly being tested by Huawei and SMIC, a leading Chinese chip manufacturer. EUV technology is crucial for producing high-end chips, and if successful, this development could significantly enhance China’s chip independence. However, the machine’s effectiveness remains uncertain, as previous attempts by other companies to develop similar technology have faced challenges.
In the brief segment, Apple faced setbacks with its AI upgrade for Siri, which has been delayed indefinitely due to performance issues. Additionally, the company was required to allow users in the European Union to select alternative mapping apps as their default, a move that could impact its market strategy. Meanwhile, Sonos canceled plans for a streaming video player to focus on existing products, and rumors of a new handheld Xbox gaming device surfaced, potentially being developed by Asus.
Lastly, the video highlighted various tech developments, including Google’s ongoing antitrust challenges and its advancements in AI robotics. Samsung’s app store is now offering a more favorable revenue split for game developers, and Nvidia reported strong sales of its 50 Series GPUs. Additionally, Texas Instruments introduced the world’s smallest microcontroller, which could have significant implications for tiny electronics. The video concluded with a promotion for Brilliant, an online learning platform that offers interactive courses in STEM subjects, encouraging viewers to explore its offerings.