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- Coachella's Proprietory BNPL
Coachella's Proprietory BNPL
& Netflix Tests AI Search
Global Smartphones Up 3% in Q1
The global smartphone market grew 3% year-over-year in Q1 2025, boosted by emerging markets and China subsidies. For the first time ever in Q1, Apple took the #1 spot with 19% market share.
Apple's success came from launching the iPhone 16e and seeing strong growth in places like India and Japan. Samsung followed closely in second place with 18% share.
Analysts predict the market will actually decline overall in 2025. Rising economic uncertainty and US tariffs are expected to dampen consumer demand, especially in the US.
Interestingly, research firm IDC notes that Q1 shipment numbers were inflated. Companies rushed phones into the US to get ahead of potential tariffs, not just because people were buying more
Coachella & Credit: 60% Use Payment Plans
Think Coachella's all glitz and glamour? Think again! Nearly 60% of attendees used Coachella's own payment plan this year to snag pricey tickets ($600+). It's not typical BNPL—you pay a $41 fee and finish paying before the festival starts. If you miss a payment, the order's cancelled, but you get credit for next year. While it helps manage costs, it highlights how affording aspirational events is changing.
This jump (up from 18% in 2009) reflects rising ticket costs and Gen Z prioritizing experiences. While it's a savvy move for some and earns Coachella millions in fees, it signals how affording aspirational events is changing.
Netflix Tests AI Search: Find Shows by Vibe, Not Just Title
Netflix is trying out a new AI-powered search tool using OpenAI technology to help you find what to watch. Forget just searching by title or genre – you can soon find shows based on your mood or by asking in plain English, like "find me a sad movie". The aim is to make discovering your next favorite show way easier.
Right now, it's an opt-in test for some lucky users in Australia and New Zealand, but only on iOS devices. Netflix plans to bring the test to the US and other places soon, though there's no word yet on Android or web versions. This is another way Netflix is using AI, building on its smart recommendations system.