Apple takes 2023 smartphone crown

Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.

For the first time ever, there is a new leader on the smartphone throne.

Apple just took the top spot for global mobile shipments for 2023, ending Samsung’s 12-year reign. Let’s dive in…

In today’s tech rundown:

• Apple tops Samsung as smartphone leader for 2023

• Apple nixes blood oxygen tracking amid patent dispute

• 8 new products

• Google cuts hundreds of roles

• Apple and Epic Games end antitrust dispute

• Google Maps adds new features to Waze

Read time: 3 minutes

TODAY’S HEADLINES

APPLE

🍏 Apple tops Samsung as smartphone leader for 2023

The Rundown: For the first time ever, Apple shipped more smartphones globally than Samsung in 2023 — taking the top spot in IDC's rankings after a strong Q4 for the company despite a weak overall market for the sector.

The details:

• According to new data from analyst firms IDC and Canalys, Apple shipped 234.6M iPhones worldwide in 2023, narrowly edging out Samsung's 226.6M units.

• This ends Samsung's stretch as the annual global smartphone shipment leader that lasted over a decade.

• Apple saw strong iPhone growth in emerging markets like India and Brazil, as well as continuing traction for its premium-priced iPhone 14 Pro models.

• Notably, Apple was the only smartphone maker to achieve growth in 2023, with overall smartphone sales declining 3.2% year-over-year.

Why it matters: While lagging in AI and struggling with sales in other areas, the iPhone’s dominance is spreading across the globe. All eyes now turn to the Vision Pro — and with a successful launch, we might see the tech giant have some serious momentum back in its corner.

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TECH IN THE COURTS

⌚️ Apple nixes blood oxygen tracking amid patent dispute

The Rundown: Apple is planning to completely remove the blood oxygen tracking feature from its newest Apple Watch models (including the Series 9 and Ultra 2) in order to comply with a U.S. import ban due to a patent dispute.

The details:

• In October, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Apple's watches violated Masimo patents related to pulse oximetry technology for measuring blood oxygen levels.

• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved Apple's proposed software redesign that eliminates the blood oxygen tracking capability.

• Apple will likely only remove the feature if its pending appeal to block enforcement of the ITC ban completely fails in federal court.

• The tech giant has already started shipping modified versions of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches without the feature to U.S. retailers in case the appeal gets denied.

Why it matters: Whichever way the courts rule, Apple is taking measures to ensure its legal battle doesn’t disrupt sales — but the moves don’t come off as a company looking to pay Masimo for their tech. As we’ve seen time and time again, it’s difficult to fight legal battles against giants of industry.

NEW PRODUCTS

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🫖 Marblism- Instant SaaS boilerplate from prompts (link)

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SNIPPETS

Google is reducing its workforce by cutting several hundred roles within its advertising sales team globally.

The Supreme Court has denied hearing the antitrust dispute between Apple and Epic Games, largely maintaining Apple's victory.

Take-Two Interactive has opposed Remedy Entertainment's updated "R" logo, alleging it infringes on Rockstar Games' emblem.

Google Maps has introduced Bluetooth beacon support for enhanced navigation in areas without GPS signal, such as tunnels.

Elon Musk argues for increased control over Tesla to steer the company towards AI and robotics leadership, despite it currently deriving 95% of its revenue from its automotive sector

EA is developing a platform that could transform the gaming industry by enabling more accessible game creation and community-driven modifications.

UK retailer Game is set to discontinue its trade-in services and phase out pre-owned merchandise as part of an integration process within the Frasers Group.

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THAT’S A WRAP

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