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Apple and Samsung dominate global smartphone market in Q2 2026
According to Counterpoint Research, the global smartphone market experienced an 11% year-on-year contraction in the second quarter of 2026. Despite this decline, Apple and Samsung maintained a dominant position, collectively accounting for 26% of global unit sales and occupying all ten of the top-selling smartphone spots.
The iPhone 17 emerged as the world's best-selling smartphone, capturing 6% of the global market. Apple's unit sales grew by 5% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in India, Japan, the Middle East, Africa, and a near-doubling of sales in South Korea. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max followed as the second and third best-selling models, respectively.
Samsung also secured five positions in the top ten, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra becoming the best-selling Android smartphone. The company's presence in the rankings was bolstered by its Galaxy A series. The industry-wide contraction and a global shortage of RAM have led manufacturers to focus more heavily on premium models and high-volume devices to protect margins.
In Europe, Apple and Samsung each hold a 34% market share, collectively controlling 68% of the market. This comes amid a significant 10% decline in European smartphone shipments compared to the previous year.
Entities
Apple · Counterpoint Research · Galaxy S26 Ultra · Galaxy S26 Ultra · Google · Samsung · Xiaomi · iPhone 17 · iPhone 17
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Apple and Samsung combined accounted for 26% of global smartphone sales in Q2 2026. diarioelcentinela.com · gizmologi.id · mobilestan.net · santafederf.com.ar · tolhuinprimero.com · +11 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Apple's unit sales grew by 5% year-on-year despite the broader market decline. diarioelcentinela.com · santafederf.com.ar · tolhuinprimero.com · www.chiccheinformatiche.com · www.phonetoday.it · +4 more
- [● 16 SOURCES] Global smartphone shipments declined 11% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2026. diarioelcentinela.com · www.chiccheinformatiche.com · dailyguardian.ae · ototekno.harianjogja.com · www.phonetoday.it · +11 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra was the best-selling Android smartphone during the quarter. gizmologi.id · mobilestan.net · dailyguardian.ae · ototekno.harianjogja.com · www.hwupgrade.it · +3 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The smartphone industry is facing a global shortage of RAM. diarioelcentinela.com · dailyguardian.ae · ototekno.harianjogja.com · santafederf.com.ar · tolhuinprimero.com · +9 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] The iPhone 17 was the world's best-selling smartphone in Q2 2026, accounting for 6% of global unit sales. diarioelcentinela.com · gizmologi.id · mobilestan.net · santafederf.com.ar · tolhuinprimero.com · +11 more
- [DISPUTED] Apple and Samsung together occupied all ten of the top spots in the global smartphone ranking for Q2 2026. diarioelcentinela.com · mobilestan.net · www.pctipp.ch · santafederf.com.ar · tolhuinprimero.com · +9 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apple and Samsung each hold 34% of the European smartphone market. www.ariase.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Android holds a 75% global market share by OS volume. kabartarakan.com