Hardware · Updated 12 Oct, 05:35 pm IST
Global smartphone shipments fall 20% in Q3 2026, lowest since 2012
Why it matters for readers: Phone prices rose because memory chips became more expensive, which is why fewer phones shipped worldwide.
- Counterpoint Research said global smartphone shipments declined 20% YoY in Q3 2026, the lowest level since 2012.1
- Higher memory chip costs inflated bill of materials, contributing to supply shortages and prompting OEMs to raise retail prices about 20% in 2026.1
- Samsung remained the market leader with a 23% share despite a 3% shipment decline, while Apple’s share rose to 22% even as its shipments fell.1
- Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo saw steeper volume declines—Xiaomi fell over 30% and Oppo and Vivo dropped more than 20%—leading to lower market shares.1
- Oppo consolidated operations across Oppo, Realme and OnePlus to cut overlap, and Vivo is focusing on India and China with targeted series like Y for value segments.1
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