Global Smartphone Shipments Record Worst Third Quarter in 14 Years Amid Memory Shortage

3-line summary

• Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2026, the worst Q3 level since 2012, according to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint Research.
• AI infrastructure projects have soaked up memory chip supply, driving up component costs; manufacturers raised prices and cut shipments, prioritizing profitability over volume. Samsung held the top spot with 23% share (down 3% YoY), Apple followed with 22%, while Xiaomi fell over 30% and OPPO/vivo each dropped more than 20%.
• Counterpoint said the outlook for the remainder of 2026 "remains challenging," with further output cuts and a shift toward premium devices likely.

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