It seems longer than 10 years since Apple’s first iPhone ushered in the smartphone era, and now that field is at a cross roads again as markets approach saturation and margins are squeezed. AI and machine learning now figure increasingly in the strategies of all the players, especially the big three of Apple, Samsung and Huawei, which have all announced major investments and commitments recently. Each faces different challenges, with Apple seeking to maintain its phenomenal record for profitability at this time when the others are squabbling at the lower end of the market, as reflected in smaller margins. Depending on who is counting, Samsung has held onto number one position measured by volumes with around 22%, followed by Apple…