Industry
5 publications · July 13, 2026
Global smartphone shipments fall up to 11% in Q2 2026 as memory shortage hits market
Key points
- Global smartphone shipments dropped between 6.7% and 11% year-over-year in Q2 2026, with total shipments falling to 277.5 million units.
- A memory chip shortage drove the decline as manufacturers prioritize AI data center production over smartphone components.
- Samsung and Apple both gained market share during the quarter, with increases of 2 and 4 percentage points respectively compared to Q2 2025.
- Chinese smartphone makers experienced significant shipment declines during the same period.
- The shortage is expected to reduce availability of budget devices and increase refurbished phone sales.
Summary
(AI)
Global smartphone shipments fell sharply in the second quarter of 2026, with reports showing declines ranging from 6.7% to 11% year-over-year. Total shipments reached 277.5 million units. The drop stems from a memory chip shortage as manufacturers shift production capacity toward the more profitable AI data center market.
Samsung and Apple both grew shipments and gained market share during the quarter, increasing their share by 2 and 4 percentage points respectively compared to the same period in 2025. Chinese smartphone makers saw substantial shipment declines by contrast.
The component shortage is expected to lead to fewer budget device options and increased sales of refurbished phones.
