Generative AI will supposedly spark a smartphone renaissance, driving both unit shipments and the value of devices sold this calendar year – or so claims a rather optimistic forecast from Gartner's consultants.

Smartphones in the doldrums due to crap demand and tariff woes

The analyst reckons phones packing neural processing units (NPUs) will shift 369 million units in 2025, generating an estimated $298 billion in end-user spending. That's quite the punt on punters actually wanting AI in their pocket.

"Currently, most users still rely on text or touch for all tasks, and voice interactions remain limited in scope," said senior director analyst Ranjit Atwal. "However, as conversational AI becomes more natural in the future, users are expected to become more comfortable with AI as a proact

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