Counterpoint Research vs Mintel

Samsung Mocks Apple's First Foldable iPhone with New Ad

Following Apple's unveiling of its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, Samsung launched a multi-pronged marketing campaign to mock its rival. This includes a video titled 'Welcome to Foldables' and billboards in Seoul, Tokyo, and London with similar messages. Additionally, Samsung New Zealand created a social campaign featuring a local man named Tim Cook to promote the Galaxy Z Fold8, mimicking Apple's presentation style. The campaign, credited to Madison Hill and Cheil New Zealand, reinforces Samsung's leadership in foldable technology. With Counterpoint Research predicting Samsung will hold 38% market share in 2026 versus Apple's 25%, Samsung's aggressive strategy positions itself as the pioneer, continuing a history of targeting Apple's marketing.

• Apple introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, on September 9, with a starting price of $1,999.
• Samsung launched a marketing campaign titled 'Welcome to Foldables' including a video and billboards in Seoul, Tokyo, and London.
• Samsung New Zealand created a social campaign using a local man named Tim Cook to promote the Galaxy Z Fold8.

AI Drives Boom in Commercial Cleaning Robots

Counterpoint Research reports the commercial cleaning robot market entered a new growth phase: 2025 shipments exceeded 50,000 units and revenue topped $400 million. Advances in AI, computer vision, LLMs, sensors and LiDAR are shifting conventional cleaning machines toward autonomous, adaptive systems that optimize cleaning parameters and navigation. Counterpoint projects annual shipments could reach about 400,000 units by 2030 and estimates the broader commercial cleaning market at roughly $50 billion in 2026. Pudu Robotics led shipments and revenue in 2025, while incumbents such as Tennant and Kärcher pursue partnerships with AI specialists. Adoption is expanding from retail and airports to hospitals, warehouses and production sites, with growing integration into building- and operations-management systems.

• Counterpoint Research estimates 2025 global shipments of commercial cleaning robots exceeded 50,000 units and revenue surpassed $400 million.
• Counterpoint projects annual shipments could grow to around 400,000 units by 2030 (approximately an eightfold increase).
• The worldwide commercial cleaning market was estimated at about $50 billion in 2026.

Streaming Wars Shift to Smartphones as Apple, Samsung Lead

A CordCuttersNews article reports that streaming competition is increasingly focused on smartphones as premium mobile devices grow. Counterpoint Research found premium smartphones reached a record 29% share of the global market in H1 2026, with Apple and Samsung accounting for the vast majority of that segment. Higher-end phones now support features (brighter OLEDs, larger batteries, 5G, Wi‑Fi 7, AI features) that improve mobile streaming and gaming experiences. Industry players including streaming services, cable operators, and device makers are adapting: Comcast is prioritizing wireless, streaming platforms are optimizing mobile features, and sports and live events are being designed for on-the-go viewing. The trend has implications for how video platforms and advertisers monetize mobile audiences.

• Counterpoint Research reported premium smartphones reached a 29% share of the global smartphone market in H1 2026.
• Apple and Samsung accounted for 84% of premium smartphone devices in that period, per Counterpoint Research.
• Counterpoint defines premium smartphones as devices with a wholesale average selling price above $600.

Carter's Brand Refresh Targets Gen Z and Millennial Parents

Carter's has unveiled its first major brand refresh since 2000, aimed at appealing to Gen Z and millennial parents. The refresh includes a new logo (with an apostrophe replaced by a shooting star), a new visual identity, and a brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.' The accompanying 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, features a 60-second commercial on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu, as well as digital and social channels. The campaign emphasizes self-expression and individuality, supported by Pew Research data. Carter's also introduced a creator program called 'Light Makers' with up to 15 Glow Grants in the first year. The rebrand follows new CEO Sharon Price John's appointment and increased marketing spend, contributing to a 5% net sales increase in Q2 2026. Partnerships with Outward Bound and Boys & Girls Clubs of America support children and families.

• Carter's launched its first major brand refresh since 2000, including a new logo, visual identity, and brand commitment: 'to let every child's light shine.'
• The 'Watch Them Glow' campaign launched on September 16, 2026, with a 60-second spot airing on CTV platforms like Nexxen, Roku, Disney+, and Hulu.
• The new logo replaces the apostrophe in 'Carter's' with a shooting star.

Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026

Mintel added a new featured research report: Global Beauty Ingredient Trends 2026 (Beauty and Personal Care).