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Business Wire India

Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) today announced it will serve as Principal Partner of Ferrari Hypersail, an initiative that applies Ferrari engineering and racing spirit to a new frontier at sea. PMI has shared with Ferrari one of the most enduring partnerships in Formula 1 since its origins in 1973 – a relationship defined by reinvention, ambition, and an unwavering belief that progress matters. Philip Morris International’s commitment to science-backed innovation, including smoke-free technologies, echoes the same passion for progress that propels Ferrari Hypersail.

 

Hypersail serves as a platform for breakthrough ideas that can inspire new solutions across industries, including automotive engineering, energy efficiency, and advanced control systems. The Ferrari Hypersail program centers on a 30-meter (100-foot) full-foiling ocean racing monohull that is engineered to explore new frontiers of innovation, self-sufficiency and performance in ocean racing, with launch and initial sea trials scheduled for 2026. The program will be powered entirely by renewable energy, engineered through open innovation, and shaped in collaboration with leading experts in aerodynamics, naval architecture, and high-performance systems.

 

 

“Ferrari’s pursuit of record-breaking performance at sea mirrors PMI’s own journey of change and innovation – bold, forward-looking, and driven by the conviction that technology, coupled with human ingenuity, can help tackle long-standing challenges,” said Jacek Olczak, Group CEO, PMI. “This moment is more than an announcement. It is a continuation of a journey that began more than 50 years ago, charting a new course defined by shared ambition, bold challenges, and a belief that progress matters.”

 

 

“I believe that true innovation is born at the intersection of diverse ideas and expertise. Our collaboration with partners is rooted in this philosophy,” Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari CEO, commented. “With Hypersail, a platform for testing and validation under extreme conditions, we are embracing a scientific approach to redefine the limits of what’s possible. This project exemplifies our shared commitment with partners to pioneering technology and innovation, and we are proud to embark on this new journey with Philip Morris International.”

 

 

Innovation and change are core to Philip Morris International’s DNA. For the first time externally, a new expression of the company’s visual identity will appear on the Ferrari Hypersail—a modern, dynamic iconography that reflects PMI’s evolution as a consumer packaged goods company.

 

 

Philip Morris International: A Global Smoke-Free Champion

 

 

Philip Morris International is a leading international consumer goods company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company’s current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smokefree products, including heat-not-burn, nicotine pouch and e-vapor products. Our smoke-free products are available for sale in 106 markets, and as of December 31, 2025, PMI estimates they were used by over 43 million legal-age consumers around the world, many of whom have moved away from cigarettes or significantly reduced their consumption. The smoke-free business accounted for 41.5% of PMI’s total adjusted net revenues in 2025. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products for adults who would otherwise smoke, with the goal of completely ending the sale of cigarettes. This includes the building of worldclass scientific assessment capabilities, notably in the areas of pre-clinical systems toxicology, clinical and behavioral research, as well as post-market studies. Following a robust science-based review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of Swedish Match’s General snus and ZYN nicotine pouches and versions of PMI’s IQOS devices and consumables – the first-ever such authorizations in their respective categories. Versions of IQOS devices and consumables and General snus also obtained the first-ever Modified Risk Tobacco Product authorizations from the FDA. With a strong foundation and significant expertise in life sciences, PMI has a long-term ambition to expand into wellness and healthcare areas and aims to enhance life through the delivery of seamless health experiences. References to “PMI”, “we”, “our” and “us” mean Philip Morris International Inc., and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413478412/en/

 

Business Wire India

Building on its ongoing association with Chennai Super Kings, TECNO has rolled out a new digital campaign for its POVA Curve 2, bringing cricket-led storytelling into an everyday setting. The collaboration extends beyond on-ground visibility, tapping into content that feels rooted in real, relatable moments while leveraging the familiarity and appeal of CSK players.

At the centre of the campaign is a digital film that places Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan in an unexpected situation stuck inside a stalled lift. What begins as a routine moment quickly escalates into a familiar frustration: no network, draining batteries, and no immediate way to call for help. As tension builds, the narrative shifts with the entry of the TECNO POVA Curve 2 holding steady where others drop off. With just enough connectivity to attempt reaching out and enough battery to keep going, the mood inside the lift transforms.

What follows is a shift from panic to play, as the players pass time gaming and exchanging banter, turning a stressful situation into a surprisingly light-hearted one. The film lands on a simple, relatable insight even when everything else stalls, the experience doesn’t have to.

Watch the film here: Link

On the launch of the DVC, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO India, said: “Our association with Chennai Super Kings allows us to connect with audiences in a way that feels both culturally relevant and engaging. With this campaign, we wanted to move beyond traditional storytelling and capture a moment that people instantly recognise being stuck without network or battery. The idea was to show how the experience can shift with the right device in hand, without overplaying it. POVA Curve 2 is built around consistency and performance in everyday situations, and this film reflects that in a way that feels natural, entertaining and true to how consumers actually use their devices.”

Conceptualised and produced by EiPI Media, the film leans into situational humour and the natural chemistry between players to keep the storytelling grounded.

A spokesperson from EiPI Media added: “The intent was to build a story that feels simple, real and engaging from the first frame. A stalled lift is a universally relatable setting, but what makes it interesting is how people respond to it. The players brought in their own personalities, which helped the narrative move naturally from tension to humour. We made sure the product fits into that journey seamlessly — it supports the story rather than interrupting it, which makes the overall experience more authentic.”

As TECNO continues to deepen its connect with cricket audiences through its CSK engagement, this campaign reflects a broader shift towards storytelling that blends entertainment with everyday insights making technology feel less like a feature set and more like a part of real-life moments. 

Business Wire India

• Ducati brings together its passionate community of riders for a high-octane celebration at BIC, marking the beginning of its 100-year legacy celebrations in India, featuring Official Ducati stunt rider Emilio Zamora’s debut at BIC
• 70+ riders attended the Track Day and a total of 150 Ducatisti gathered for the Sundowner event in the evening

As Ducati embarks on its monumental 100-year anniversary in 2026, commemorating a century of transforming a ‘Made in Italy’ dream into a global symbol of excellence, passion, style, and innovation since its founding in 1926, the luxury motorcycle brand formally initiated its global centenary celebrations in India. This landmark occasion commenced with an exclusive DRE Track Day event held at Buddh International Circuit (BIC). This high-octane celebration brought together Ducati owners and their families for a day dedicated to performance, community engagement, and the spirit of motorcycling, further enhanced by a spectacular stunt showcase from Official Ducati stunt rider Emilio Zamora for the first time in India.

The DRE Track Day, open exclusively for Ducati owners, welcomed the participation of over 70 Ducatisti providing them with the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of riding their motorcycles on a world-class racing circuit. Apart from Open sessions, the event also featured 3 levels of training – Intro, Evo and Master, ably led by DRE Certified instructors Rishi Agarwal, Anand Dharmaraj and Dilip Lalwani, who also holds the record for the fastest lap on a production superbike (1:54:926 on 2025 Panigale V4S).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, stated, “As Ducati commemorates 100 years globally, India stands as a crucial market where the brand’s passion continues to intensify year after year. The DRE Track Day at BIC, coupled with Emilio Zamora’s electrifying performance and our sundowner celebration, is more than an event; it represents a celebration of our community, our rich heritage, and the distinctive thrill that defines every Ducati. Our Ducatisti are central to all our endeavours, and this centenary year is dedicated to fostering their connection with the brand through unforgettable experiences.”

Ducati has cultivated a significant presence in India, one of the world’s most rapidly expanding premium motorcycle markets, for over last 10 years. With a comprehensive network of 9 dealerships and 2 exclusive service workshops (Goa and Ahmedabad) and a strategic focus on delivering premium ownership experiences, Ducati India plays a pivotal role in the brand’s growth strategy in India.

Business Wire India

AXS Japan, a trusted leader in advanced ticketing and live event technology, announced today that it will serve as the Official Ticketing Partner for “BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026,” the second annual special event hosted by professional basketball player Rui Hachimura, taking place from August 6-8, 2026. The BLACK SAMURAI Showcase concludes a training camp designed to elevate Japanese basketball on the global stage while inspiring the next generation of players and fans across the country.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260412887041/en/

 

 

 

BLACK SAMURAI is a breakthrough event that creates a powerful bridge between Rui Hachimura, competing at the highest level of international basketball, and the next generation of athletes in Japan who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Through direct fan engagement and hands-on mentorship, Hachimura shares the elite skills, physical preparation, and disciplined mindset required to compete among the world’s best. Building on the momentum of 2025, “BLACK SAMURAI 2026” will once again deliver immersive coaching experiences for young players while serving as a defining sports and entertainment platform that promotes ambition nationwide and strengthens Japan’s presence in the global basketball community.

 

From Rui Hachimura:

 

 

“I am grateful for AXS’s support and for their belief in the vision that BLACK SAMURAI represents. As a Japanese athlete and a professional basketball player, my goal is to grow this initiative over the long term, elevate it to an even higher level, and ultimately share it with the world. Together with AXS, I hope we can create a seamless and trusted event experience – not only for the young players participating in the camp, but also for the fans who support this journey.”

 

 

AXS, the ticketing arm of AEG – the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company – manages ticket sales for hundreds of arenas, sports teams, festivals, and concerts throughout North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. AXS’s platform provides global-standard functionality with flexible ticketing configurations designed to support diverse event needs. This enables event organizers to configure ticket sales settings and tailor their ticketing strategies at the individual event level.

 

 

From Akio Masamoto, Vice President, AXS Japan:

 

 

“BLACK SAMURAI is more than an event – it represents ambition, national pride and the elevation of Japanese basketball onto the world stage. It is an honor for AXS to serve as official ticketing partner in support of Rui Hachimura’s leadership and vision. Through our global platform and commitment to innovation, security and fan experience, we are proud to help deliver an event worthy of Rui’s mission and the next generation of athletes.”

 

 

“BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026” Event Overview
Event Name: BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026
Event Date: August 6-8, 2026
Organizer: BLACK SAMURAI
Official Ticket Sales: AXS Japan (Official Ticketing Partner)
Onsale Information: 12:00 JST, April 17 (20:00 PDT, April 16)
Official Event Website: https://blacksamurai.jp/2026/summit

 

 

About AXS

 

 

AXS is a trusted leader in advanced ticketing and live event technology, operating across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, providing access to some of the world’s most iconic venues, sports teams, festivals, and global tours. With customized ticketing solutions, innovative technology, and dedicated customer service, AXS partners with over 1,600 of the most recognized brands in sports and entertainment — including the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The O2 Arena, BNP Paribas Open, WM Phoenix Open, and Stagecoach Country Music Festival. AXS’s primary and secondary marketplaces, along with its proprietary AXS Mobile ID technology, deliver one of the easiest and most secure ways for fans to buy, sell, and manage tickets.

 

 

www.axs.com/

 

 

About BLACK SAMURAI 2026

 

 

“BLACK SAMURAI 2026” is a platform designed to pass on the experience, perspective, and mindset that Rui Hachimura has gained on the global stage to the next generation, with the aim of strengthening and advancing Japanese basketball.

 

 

By providing children and emerging top players with direct exposure to global standards, the initiative seeks to update long-standing norms in Japan such as domestically focused development environments centered around schools and local clubs, as well as coaching approaches that emphasize long training hours detached from real-game situations. Through this, BLACK SAMURAI aims to redefine what is considered “normal” in Japanese basketball.

 

 

Through these efforts, the program will not only impact young players but also create meaningful changes in the awareness and environment of those surrounding the sport, including parents, coaches, and basketball fans.

 

 

In addition, by exposing participants to global standards from an early age, the initiative broadens their perspectives and expands their future opportunities. It also aims to provide children who have limited access to basketball due to financial or other constraints with the opportunity to experience the joy of the sport and create pathways for continued engagement.

 

 

Rui Hachimura Official Accounts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rui_8mura/
X: https://x.com/rui_8mura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rui_8mura
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BLACK_SAMURAI_RUI_HACHIMURA

 

 

BLACK SAMURAI Official Accounts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksamurai/

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260412887041/en/

 

Business Wire India

Business Wire India, a trusted source for corporate news and press release distribution, is excited to roll out its redesigned website businesswireindia.com. With a cutting-edge design, improved functionality, and an intuitive interface, the upgraded platform is designed to deliver a faster, smarter, and more seamless experience for clients, journalists, and readers alike.

Trusted by the biggest names across industries to disseminate their news, Business Wire India is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality corporate news to national and global media as it blends a refreshed look with its established credibility.

“The new website is a significant step in our commitment to continuously improve the experience of our clients,” said Gagan Talwar, MD, Business Wire India. “As the media landscape evolves, our goal is to ensure the smoothest possible path for news dissemination and discovery.”

Key features of the new website include:

• Enhanced User Experience: A modern interface and improved navigation ensure quicker access to press releases and updates across industries.
• Powerful Performance: Improved backend infrastructure supports better performance and quick page load time.
• Advance Search Tools: Streamlined search and filters to find industry-specific or locally relevant news efficiently through upgraded tools and categories.
• Resource Access: New hub for industry news, top releases, educational content, and the BWI blog.

Business Wire India’s redesigned website is an important leap in redefining corporate news distribution while reinforcing its position as a leader in press release services and media engagement. Visit businesswireindia.com to experience the upgrades firsthand.

Business Wire India

CNKT+ is starting to move beyond its internal ecosystem and into wider market visibility. What began as a token tied to learning and participation is now appearing across public platforms where users can track charts, follow signals, and observe real activity. This shift matters because it helps more people discover CNKT+ and understand how it behaves in live market conditions.

 

How The Ecosystem Connects

 

The Coinnekt+ ecosystem connects learning, entrepreneurship, and decentralized finance in one simple flow. Users can build skills, contribute to projects, and earn CNKT+ through their participation. These tokens do not remain inside the platform but move into the broader market, where they can be tracked, analyzed, and used across different environments.

 

From GeckoTerminal to Major Trackers

 

The first stage of visibility started with GeckoTerminal, where CNKT+ began showing real on-chain activity. Each listing added more exposure, making it easier for users to track price, volume, and overall market behaviour. From there, the token expanded across platforms like:

 

• CoinMarketCap
• CoinGecko
• LiveCoinWatch
• DappRadar
• Coinbase
• Crypto.com
• LBank
• WEEX

 

Learning That Moves Into Market

 

CNKT+ is more than just a token, it connects learning with a real market opportunity. As listings expand, their value is becoming more visible across platforms. With WEEX live and UZX coming next, the ecosystem is entering a new phase. User participation now reflects both inside the platform and in the market. CNKT+ is building a space where learning, growth, and market access come together.

 

WEEX Marked the Trading Shift

 

After building visibility across trackers, CNKT+ entered a new phase with its WEEX listing. This was the point where tracking turned into trading. Users could:

• Watch live charts
• Follow signals
• Interact with the market directly

This shift made CNKT+ part of an active trading environment instead of just a tracked token.

 

The Next Move After WEEX

 

Now, the next phase is starting to form. CNKT+ is preparing to list on UZX this month, adding another exchange layer to its growth. This means the project is continuing its expansion, moving from one platform to the next instead of stopping at a single listing. After WEEX opened the trading stage, UZX became the next step in expanding market access.

 

A Growing Market Presence

 

CNKT+ is still built on learning and participation, but now it is moving into a broader market phase. With trackers, WEEX, and the upcoming UZX listing all connected, the ecosystem is expanding step by step. Stay active, follow the charts, and watch how CNKT+ continues to grow after WEEX.

Business Wire India

Today, Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE: VG) announced that its subsidiary Calcasieu Pass Funding, LLC (the “Company”), which indirectly controls the Calcasieu Pass project, entered into a $1,750,000,000 senior secured, term loan B credit facility (the “Facility”). Venture Global used a portion of the proceeds from the Facility to redeem, in full, the preferred equity interests of the Company that were previously issued to Stonepeak Bayou Holdings II LP.

 

“We’re very pleased to successfully close this $1.75 billion secured credit facility, which represents a significant milestone for our company,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “This transaction meaningfully reduces our overall cost of capital while further strengthening our balance sheet and liquidity position. Just as importantly, it demonstrates our continued ability to efficiently access the capital markets, even in a dynamic environment. We believe this enhanced financial flexibility positions us well to execute on our strategic priorities and drive long-term value for our stakeholders.”

 

 

Goldman Sachs served as Lead Left Arranger and Bookrunner while Barclays, Natixis and Wells Fargo each served as Lead Right Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners for the Facility. Latham & Watkins LLP served as counsel to Venture Global and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as counsel to the arrangers.

 

 

About Venture Global

 

 

Venture Global is an American producer and exporter of low-cost U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) with over 100 MTPA of capacity in production, construction, or development. Venture Global began producing LNG from its first facility in 2022 and is now one of the largest LNG exporters in the United States. The company’s vertically integrated business includes assets across the LNG supply chain including LNG production, natural gas transport, shipping and regasification. The company’s first three projects, Calcasieu Pass, Plaquemines LNG, and CP2 LNG, are located in Louisiana along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Venture Global is developing Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects at each of its LNG facilities.

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein are “forward-looking statements.” In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.

 

 

These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include statements about our future performance, our contracts, our anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends impacting our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those factors include our need for significant additional capital to construct and complete future projects and related assets, and our potential inability to secure such financing on acceptable terms, or at all; our potential inability to accurately estimate costs for our projects, and the risk that the construction and operations of natural gas pipelines and pipeline connections for our projects suffer cost overruns and delays related to obtaining regulatory approvals, development risks, labor costs, unavailability of skilled workers, operational hazards and other risks; the uncertainty regarding the future of global trade dynamics, international trade agreements and the United States’ position on international trade, including the effects of tariffs; our dependence on our EPC and other contractors for the successful completion of our projects, including the potential inability of our contractors to perform their obligations under their contracts; various economic and political factors, including opposition by environmental or other public interest groups, or the lack of local government and community support required for our projects, which could negatively affect the permitting status, timing or overall development, construction and operation of our projects; and risks related to other factors discussed under “Item 1A.—Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC.

 

 

Any forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. We undertake no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260410284514/en/

 

Business Wire India

Key Highlights

• Development pipeline of INR 5,100+ crore GDV
• ~12.24 million sq. ft. developable area
• 29 projects across residential and mixed-use
• 3–5 years execution visibility
• Additional INR 4,000+ crore GDV under evaluation

Kesar India Limited (“the Company”), a Nagpur-based real estate development company engaged in quality residential, commercial, and mixed‑use projects, announced a significant expansion of its long-term development pipeline through a series of strategic land acquisitions, marking a pivotal shift towards building scale, visibility and sustainability in its growth strategy.

Over the past year, the Company has actively consolidated land parcels to address key industry challenges such as rising land acquisition costs and limited future project visibility. Moving away from a short-term acquisition model, Kesar India has focused on assembling a structured and sustainable development pipeline, offering an estimated 3–5 years of execution visibility.

The Company estimates total project investments exceeding INR 2,000 crore, to be deployed in a phased and disciplined manner aligned with execution milestones.

Pipeline Overview:

• ~12.24 million sq. ft. of developable area
• Estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) exceeding INR 5,100 crore
• 29 projects across residential, mixed‑use and large‑format developments

This expanded pipeline positions Kesar India among the emerging real estate developers in Central India supported by a scaled, well-diversified and forward-looking project portfolio.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sachin Gopal Gupta, Managing Director, Kesar India Limited, said, “The strategic acquisitions reflect our intent to build a long-term, scalable platform rather than operate on a project-to-project basis. By strengthening our land bank at this stage, we are laying the foundation for sustained growth while insulating the business from land price volatility and cyclical supply constraints.”

Execution & Capital Deployment

The upcoming portfolio is largely oriented towards large-format and mixed-use developments, which typically involve longer development cycles of 3–5 years. Consequently, the financial impact of this expanded pipeline is expected to crystallize progressively over the coming years.

To support execution, the Company estimates total project investments to exceed INR 2,000 crore, to be deployed in a phased manner aligned with the project timelines and development milestones.

Future Growth Runway

In addition, Kesar India is currently in advanced stages of evaluating further opportunities with an estimated potential GDV of over INR 4,000 crore, reinforcing the expansion momentum. These opportunities are subject to due diligence, regulatory approvals, and execution of definitive agreements and reflect the Company’s continued focus on strengthening its future growth runway.

Business Wire India

According to Omdia’s latest research, the global smartphone market performed above expectations in 1Q26, growing by 1% year on year. However, this growth does not yet reflect the full impact of rising supply-side costs, as vendor inventory frontloading in the channel temporarily supported shipments. Memory and storage costs are increasing sharply, while vendors have not fully implemented retail price increases across all markets. Mobile DRAM and NAND prices rose by around 90% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 and are expected to increase a further 30% in Q2, significantly increasing bill-of-materials. At the same time, early signs of logistics and trade flow disruption are adding friction to global supply chains.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260410364909/en/

 

 

 

Samsung reclaimed the top position in Q1, supported by resilient flagship demand and strong Galaxy S26 series pre-orders – up more than 10% globally compared with the Galaxy S25 series – despite launch delays impacting its mid-range refresh cycle. Apple also delivered a strong quarter, supported by stable pricing and steady demand for the iPhone 17 series, despite some regional supply disruptions. Beyond the top two, most Android vendors are facing challenges on both volumes and margins, responding with tighter portfolios, selective launches and more disciplined pricing. However, within the “Others” category, Huawei’s strong domestic performance, supported by competitive pricing, and HONOR’s continued overseas expansion drove share gains.

 

“Vendors have little choice but to raise prices as cost pressures intensify”, said Sanyam Chaurasia, Principal Analyst at Omdia. “While price increases are happening across the industry, the impact is not uniform. Vendors with greater exposure to entry and mid-tier segments, such as Xiaomi and TRANSSION, are more exposed due to thinner margins and limited pricing power. In contrast, Apple has largely held pricing, while Samsung is taking a more market-selective approach. Beyond headline price increases, vendors are also managing margins through configuration changes, reduced promotions and tighter channel pricing. This is creating a more complex pricing environment, with financing and trade-ins playing a bigger role in supporting demand.”

 

 

“The worst is still ahead as cost-driven headwinds weigh on the smartphone value chain,” commented Runar Bjorhovde, Principal Analyst at Omdia. “In the near term, higher pricing is creating a demand shock, with consumers delaying purchases, before gradually adapting as pricing stabilises. At the same time, uncertainty around pricing and availability is prompting some channel partners to increase inventory, temporarily supporting shipments. However, this will delay rather than offset the impact for vendors, with pressure expected to intensify as the year progresses. Vendors will need to focus on margin protection, tighter portfolios and higher-value opportunities while strengthening brand and channel execution. Omdia expects the global smartphone market to be increasingly skewed to the downside in 2026, with shipments likely to decline by around 15% amid escalating costs and macro volatility.

 

 

Worldwide smartphone market share split Omdia Preliminary Smartphone Market Pulse: 1Q26
Vendor	1Q26   market share	1Q25   market share
Samsung	22%	20%
Apple	20%	19%
Xiaomi	11%	14%
OPPO	10%	11%
vivo	7%	8%
Others	29%	28%
Note: Preliminary estimates are subject to change on final release Xiaomi includes Redmi and POCO, vivo includes iQOO, OPPO includes realme and OnePlus Source: Omdia Smartphone Horizon Service (sell-in shipments), April 2026

 

ABOUT OMDIA

 

Omdia, part of TechTarget, Inc. d/b/a Informa TechTarget (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Our deep knowledge of tech markets grounded in real conversations with industry leaders and hundreds of thousands of data points, make our market intelligence our clients’ strategic advantage. From R&D to ROI, we identify the greatest opportunities and move the industry forward.

 

 

 

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260410364909/en/

 

Business Wire India

iPrudent (formerly Prudent Asset India Pvt Ltd), a leading name in mutual fund distribution and wealth management, proudly announces the launch of MF Bharat, a dedicated mutual fund investment application aimed at democratizing investing across India.

MF Bharat is built on a powerful belief – that mutual funds are among the most disciplined and structured vehicles for long-term wealth creation. By leveraging professional fund management, navigating market volatility, and harnessing the power of compounding, the platform enables individuals to participate meaningfully in India’s growth story.

Despite the rapid expansion of financial markets, participation remains limited. MF Bharat aims to bridge this gap by extending awareness and access beyond traditional investor segments- reaching individuals across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including salaried workers, small business owners, delivery personnel, drivers, and support staff who have the discipline to save but often lack the right investment guidance.

Built for inclusivity and accessibility, MF Bharat ensures that anyone- regardless of geography or prior investment experience- can begin their wealth creation journey with confidence. By combining technology with deep financial expertise, the platform simplifies investing and empowers users to take informed financial decisions.

“This launch is more than just an app; it marks the beginning of a transformative journey to make mutual fund investing accessible to every Indian,” said Mr. Sunil Gupta, Founder & CEO of iPrudent.

“MF Bharat empowers us to take our research-driven philosophy to the grassroots level, ensuring that quality investment insights and disciplined strategies reach every aspiring investor in the country,” added Rajnish Mehan.

In addition to the app, iPrudent has also launched the MF Bharat YouTube channel, a dedicated initiative focused on investor education and knowledge sharing through its flagship series Learn from Masters. This platform aims to bring insights directly from industry leaders, simplifying complex financial concepts for everyday investors.

The first two episodes of the series have already been successfully released, featuring renowned market expert Mr. Ambareesh Baliga (Strategic Advisor, MF Bharat) and Mr. Ravi Kumar Jha (MD & CEO, LIC Mutual Fund), offering valuable perspectives on markets, investing behavior, and long-term wealth creation.

What sets MF Bharat apart is its unique, integrated approach- ensuring investors remain informed, educated, and updated through a strong and consistent digital presence across LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. This multi-platform strategy enables continuous engagement, simplifies financial learning, and brings expert insights closer to everyday investors in a relatable format.

This integrated ecosystem- combining a powerful investment platform with accessible financial education and real-time digital engagement- reflects iPrudent’s commitment to empowering investors through integrity, innovation, and intelligent investing. As the company continues to expand its footprint across India, MF Bharat strengthens its vision of becoming a trusted partner in every individual’s financial journey.

For more information, visit: https://mfbharat.live/home.