Global smartphone shipments in second quarter hit lowest in 13 years on memory chip crunch

Global smartphone shipments experienced their steepest second-quarter decline in 13 years, falling 11% compared to the previous year, according to early estimates from Counterpoint Research.

The prolonged shortage of memory chips has significantly impacted the market. This scarcity has driven up component costs, forcing manufacturers to increase handset prices, particularly for entry- and mid-range devices. Consequently, consumer demand has been dampened, leading to the lowest shipment levels for the April-June period since 2013.

Apple emerged as a notable exception, bucking the downward trend with a 3% rise in shipments. This performance allowed the tech giant to secure a record 20% global market share for the quarter. Analysts attribute this resilience to strong demand for its premium iPhone lineup and its strategy of keeping prices unchanged.

Samsung, meanwhile, regained its position as the top smartphone vendor, capturing a 24% market share. The South Korean company benefited from robust sales of its flagship Galaxy S26 series, improved product availability, and relatively stable pricing in key markets like India and the Middle East.

Other major players faced significant challenges. Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo recorded the steepest shipment declines among the top five manufacturers. This downturn reflects their greater reliance on the more vulnerable entry- and mid-range device segments, which are more susceptible to price increases and demand fluctuations.

Looking ahead, analysts anticipate further price increases in the coming months. Counterpoint Research maintains its forecast for a roughly 14% decline in global smartphone shipments for the full year. The persistent memory chip shortage is expected to continue impacting the industry, with projections suggesting it may last into 2027.