New York [US], July 14: Global smartphone shipments fell 11 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, marking their weakest second-quarter performance since 2013, as a prolonged memory chip shortage pushed up handset prices and weighed on consumer demand, according to preliminary estimates released by Counterpoint Research.
The research firm said rising memory chip costs have significantly increased production expenses, prompting smartphone manufacturers to raise prices, particularly for entry-level and mid-range devices. The higher prices, combined with cautious consumer spending, have dampened demand across many key markets.
Apple emerged as one of the few bright spots in the quarter, with shipments rising 3 percent from a year earlier. The company increased its global smartphone market share to a record 20 percent, supported by resilient demand for its premium iPhone lineup and its decision to keep prices unchanged during the quarter. However, analysts expect Apple to introduce price increases in the coming months as component costs continue to rise.
Samsung regained the top position in the global smartphone market, capturing a 24 percent market share. The South Korean technology giant benefited from strong demand for its flagship Galaxy S26 series and improved product availability.
Source: Qatar Tribune