Global smartphone shipments declined 6% YoY in Q1 2026, as DRAM and NAND shortages disrupted supplies and increased costs across OEMs, while consumer sentiment remained weak amid Middle East tensions.Apple led Q1 for the first time with 21% market share, growing 5% YoY, driven by strong iPhone 17 demand, proactive supply chain management amid memory constraints, and improved performance in China.Samsung’s shipments declined 6% YoY in Q1 2026 with 20% market share, due to the delayed Galaxy S26 launch and weakness in the entry-tier segment.Beyond the top five brands, HONOR, Google and Nothing grew 25%, 14% and 25% YoY, respectively, driven by portfolio strength, strong expansion and niche differentiation.Seoul, Beijing, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Fort Collins, Hong Kong, London, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo – April 10, 2026The global smartphone market remained under pressure in Q1 2026, with shipments declining 6% YoY, driven by the shortage of DRAM and NAND memory components and weaker demand, according to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor. While some regions showed relative stability, overall market sentiment remained cautious as OEMs adjusted their pricing and production strategies, including going in for product delays and fewer launches, and consumers held back on discretionary purchases amid Middle East tensions. At the same time, some OEMs frontloaded shipments in anticipation of component price hikes and logistics cost escalation, offsetting a greater drop in shipments.
  • THE_GR8_MIKE@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    2 months ago

    Surprised it’s not less seeing as there is no reason to upgrade phones more than once every 5 years anymore.

    • FreeBooteR69@lemmy.caEnglish
      3·
      2 months ago

      I have a Google Pixel 3a xl from 2019. The phone works fine, with Ubuntu Touch/Waydroid.

      • DeeBeeDouble@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        2 months ago

        S10e also from 2019 here. Works flawlessly. Its small, has a headphone jack and SD slot, everything I need.

  • spaghettiwestern@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    Not surprised Apple’s market share is improving.

    I bought a Pixel 10 and Google’s software quality control is laughable. Ridiculously simple things just don’t work properly. For instance Google has broken Bluetooth for some common devices, USB won’t connect at all to some computers, and audio players are killed to save battery even when the phone is plugged in.

    Never thought I’d consider an Apple but an Iphone my will be my next purchase.

  • Bloefz@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    2 months ago

    Makes sense. Apple’s customers are a lot less price-sensitive. And also, memory and storage are naturally a much larger part is the price in a $150 smartphone than in a $1000 one. Apple doesn’t do the $150 class at all.

    You see that kind of smartphone a lot here in Spain where purchasing power is a lot lower than in the US. Still a lot of people using things like wired headphones too.