Samsung

Samsung shares fell about 4.1% on Friday to 258,000 ₩, weighed down by rising bond yields and oil prices. Additional pressure came from a report of delays in the foundry division on a potential 2-nanometer order for Qualcomm, raising doubts about Samsung’s competitiveness as a contract manufacturer. Apple’s unveiling of a similarly positioned, expensive foldable phone and forecasts that Apple will gain market share in the premium foldable segment further dampened sentiment. South Korea’s central bank also warned about the influence of leveraged products traded by foreign investors, which, together with weakness at SK Hynix, pushed the KOSPI sharply lower. » More on de.investing.com

Samsung says iOS users switching to its Galaxy Z Fold8 were 1.6 times higher than for the prior generation, and 30% of U.S. Galaxy Z Flip8 buyers came from competing brands, many buying a foldable for the first time. The company emphasized design and multitasking advantages for Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra buyers and simplified data transfers from iPhones with a QR-based Smart Switch upgrade. Counterpoint Research projects Samsung will lead the global foldable market with a 32% share this year, while Apple is expected to capture about 25% as it enters the segment. » More on cnbc.com

Samsung is developing AI-driven home appliances such as the Family Hub refrigerator, combined washer/dryer units and voice-controlled air conditioners to largely automate routine tasks by 2040. Key hurdles remain price, space requirements, security and user acceptance; some features will only be offered if they deliver real added value. Samsung promises seven years of software updates, emphasizes energy saving as currently the most used AI function, and wants to better account for regional needs from its Stuttgart development center. » More on welt.de