The memory chip problem caused global smartphone shipments to fall to a 13-year low in Q2
According to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint Research, a protracted shortage of memory chips drove up phone prices and decreased demand. Resulting in an 11% decline in global smartphone sales in the second quarter, their lowest level for that period since 2013.
Due to high demand for its high-end iPhone portfolio and maintaining pricing stability. Apple defied the trend with a 3% increase in sales and achieved a record global market share of 20% for the quarter. Analysts anticipate price increases in the upcoming months, nevertheless.
As suppliers gave preference to AI data center clients over users of consumer electronics, memory prices kept rising, pushing manufacturers to raise prices to cover greater component costs, especially for entry-level and mid-range products.
Strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S26 series, better product availability, and lower price hikes in areas like India and the Middle East. This helped Samsung reclaim the top spot with a 24% market share.
Among the top five smartphone makers, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo saw the biggest drops in shipments. Which is indicative of their increased exposure to low- and mid-range smartphones.
