The Smartphone Industry's Opening Shock of 2025: Zhao Ming's Departure and Other Industry Dynamics

The Smartphone Industry's Opening Shock of 2025: Zhao Ming's Departure and Other Industry DynamicsJanuary 17th saw a bombshell rock the smartphone industry: Honor CEO Zhao Ming resigned due to health reasons. While rumors had circulated, the announcement still shocked industry insiders

The Smartphone Industry's Opening Shock of 2025: Zhao Ming's Departure and Other Industry Dynamics

January 17th saw a bombshell rock the smartphone industry: Honor CEO Zhao Ming resigned due to health reasons. While rumors had circulated, the announcement still shocked industry insiders. Zhao Ming was the heart and soul of Honor; the connection between him and the brand was deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. Mentioning Honor invariably brought Zhao Ming to mind, and vice versa. The impact was so significant that some netizens dubbed it the biggest smartphone industry event of 2025. Major media outlets have published in-depth analyses; interested readers can search for related reports. Zhao Ming's future endeavors and Honor's future development remain key areas of industry focus; time will tell.

Prior to this momentous event at Honor, Huawei delivered exhilarating news. Reports indicate Huawei plans a global resurgence, focusing on the return of its phones to the international market. The reports suggest a planned expansion into over 60 countries and regions this year, with advertisements for the Huawei MateX6 appearing in key cities globally, signaling a bid to reclaim lost market share. Considering Huawei's past position as the second, and at times the first, largest brand in the European market, its potential for resurgence is significant.

This week, Apple and Samsung also captured industry attention, primarily concerning their upcoming ultra-thin smartphones. Apple is planning an iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-thin model expected to replace the Plus series, slated for a September release with a thickness of just 5.5mm. Samsungs ultra-thin offering will be part of the S25 series but will launch separately in May, with an approximate thickness of 6.5mm.

Meanwhile, industry sources indicate the iPhone SE4 is set for a release around April. Significantly different from its predecessor, its essentially a single-camera version of the iPhone 14, with an expected price around 3500.

This weeks most discussed event is Canalys's release of its 2024 full-year and Q4 domestic smartphone market report. The report shows Xiaomi falling out of the top five in the annual rankings, sparking heated online debate and even controversy. Its important to note that the report is based on shipment data, which may differ from actual sales figures. Activation data places Xiaomi third in the domestic market.

Furthermore, OPPO has begun its pre-release promotion for the Find N5, touted as potentially the worlds thinnest large-screen horizontal foldable phone, possibly reaching a thickness of around 9mm. Details on the vivo X200s are also emerging, suggesting it will address shortcomings of the vivo X200.

The long-term impact of Zhao Mings departure requires time to assess. It affects not only Honor's future but also the overall smartphone industry landscape. As a symbolic figurehead for Honor, his resignation presents a considerable challenge. Honor needs new leadership to navigate the competitive market and adapt its strategy and product offerings.

Huawei's planned global expansion injects new energy into the market. Leveraging its strong technological capabilities and brand recognition, it aims to reclaim a significant global presence. However, it faces intense competition from Apple and Samsung, as well as geopolitical challenges. Its success remains to be seen.

Apple and Samsung's ultra-thin phones represent advancements in smartphone design and technology. Ultra-thin designs enhance aesthetics but demand sophisticated internal engineering. While ultra-thin phones are likely to become a trend, challenges remain in battery life and heat dissipation.

Xiaomi's drop from the top five necessitates a re-evaluation of the markets competitive landscape. While discrepancies exist between shipment and sales figures, the result highlights the pressure Xiaomi faces. To remain competitive, it needs to improve product innovation, brand building, and market strategies.

The launches of the OPPO Find N5 and vivo X200s invigorate the foldable phone market. Foldable phones are gaining traction, and their market share is expected to grow. However, high prices and technological immaturity remain obstacles.

In summary, this week saw a flurry of significant smartphone industry events: shocking resignations and anticipated product launches. These events will profoundly shape the competitive landscape of 2025 and beyond. The future of the smartphone market promises excitement and challenges. Manufacturers must innovate to succeed, ultimately benefiting consumers with richer mobile experiences. Zhao Ming's departure, Huawei's global return, Apple and Samsung's ultra-thin strategies, and the intense competition among domestic manufacturers will all be defining chapters in the 2025 smartphone industry narrative.