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52 clusters · 406 sources · 123 days · First seen · Last updated

Rising chip costs and shifting smartphone market shares

Overview

The global smartphone market is undergoing a historic contraction, with IDC projecting shipments to drop 16.7 percent in 2026. This downturn is driven by a massive surge in memory component costs, as production is redirected toward AI data centers. Procurement costs for NAND flash and DRAM have risen by more than 300 percent year-on-year, causing Android shipments specifically to be expected to fall 24.3 percent in 2026.

As of September 2026, the industry faces complex shifts. TrendForce has revised its 2026 global production forecast upward to 1.07 billion units, up from 1.05 billion, as consumers purchase devices early to avoid anticipated price hikes. However, analysts warn this is a short-term effect rather than a fundamental recovery, as memory price pressure is expected to persist into 2027.

In the first half of 2026, Samsung secured the top position in the global market with a 22 percent share, while Apple followed with 21 percent, driven by demand for the iPhone 17 series. While Samsung maintains its lead, analysts note that Apple’s entry into the foldable market with a premium device could pressure Samsung’s dominance in that specific segment.

Economic pressures are also reshaping brand dynamics. MBLM’s Brand Intimacy study indicates Apple has fallen to second place in the technology category for the first time in 16 years. Beyond consumer devices, Samsung is expanding its footprint into AI and robotics, reportedly establishing a dedicated team to develop robots for semiconductor manufacturing plants to increase automation and efficiency in chip fabrication.

Entities

Samsung · Counterpoint Research · Apple · Apple Inc. · Omdia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Qualcomm's total revenue declined 4 % year‑over‑year to $9.9 billion."

    vs

    "Qualcomm's revenue for the quarter was $9.95 billion, above analyst expectations of $9.69 billion."

    The first claim states Qualcomm's total revenue was $9.9 billion, while the second claim states it was $9.95 billion.

  • "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

    vs

    "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

    The first claim asserts Apple and Samsung occupied all ten top spots, while the second claim states they combined for only 26% of global sales, which is mathematically inconsistent with occupying the

  • "Apple is expected to report Q3 2026 revenue of about $108.8 billion, a 15.5 % YoY increase."

    vs

    "Apple is expected to report third‑quarter revenue of about $108.6‑$109 billion, a 15.5% year‑over‑year increase."

    The first claim expects Apple's Q3 2026 revenue to be about $108.8 billion, while the second claim expects it to be between $108.6 and $109 billion.

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Samsung leads global smartphone market in H1 2026

    Samsung led the global smartphone market in H1 2026 with a 22% share, narrowly beating Apple. The company is also advancing AI and robotics strategies for both consumer life and semiconductor manufacturing.

  2. 5 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    Smartphone market shifts toward premium models amid volume decline

    The global smartphone market faces a 12% shipment decline in 2026, but total value is expected to rise 12% as consumers shift toward premium devices and refurbished models.

  3. 12 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 10 sources
    Smartphone industry faces shifting brand loyalty and rising costs in 2026

    The 2026 smartphone market sees Samsung overtake Apple in brand intimacy, rising device prices due to component costs, and a surge in the refurbished device market as consumers manage economic pressures.

  4. 14 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Smartphone production forecast raised to 1.07 billion units for 2026

    TrendForce raised its 2026 global smartphone production forecast to 1.07 billion units as consumers buy early to avoid rising memory costs.

  5. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Smartphone market shifts toward premium models amid RAM shortages

    A shortage of RAM and rising component costs are ending the era of cheap smartphones, driving consumers toward premium flagship models and foldable devices.

  6. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 7 sources
    Global smartphone market faces decline amid shift toward premium devices

    The global smartphone market is projected to decline 14.3% in 2026, as rising component costs and lower affordability drive a shift toward premium devices in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

  7. 21 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 8 sources
    Smartphone market shifts as Huawei rises in China and Apple leads globally

    Global smartphone markets show rising brand concentration as Apple and Samsung dominate top sales, while Huawei achieves record market share in China through chip resurgence.

  8. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 76 sources
    Apple and Samsung dominate global smartphone market in Q2 2026

    Apple and Samsung dominated the Q2 2026 smartphone market, capturing 26% of global sales and all top 10 spots, even as overall industry shipments fell 11% amid a global RAM shortage.

  9. 25 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 22 sources
    Smartphone market faces 16.7% shipment decline amid memory chip surge

    Global smartphone shipments are projected to drop 16.7% in 2026 due to a 300% surge in NAND and DRAM costs driven by AI demand, effectively ending the era of low-cost budget devices.

  10. 27 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources
    Southeast Asia smartphone shipments fall 15% in Q2 2026

    Southeast Asia smartphone shipments fell 15% in Q2 2026 due to high component costs, though the premium segment grew significantly. Samsung leads the market, while Apple maintains a top-five position.

  11. 27 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    Mid-range smartphone market faces rising costs in 2026

    Rising memory chip costs are driving up mid-range smartphone prices in 2026. Key contenders include the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and the sustainably-focused Fairphone 6+, which is now available in the US.

  12. 30 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 24 sources
    Smartphone market faces global decline amid rising component costs

    Global smartphone shipments are projected to fall 14.3% in 2026 due to rising component costs. While premium brands like Apple and Samsung show resilience, the mass market faces significant declines.

  13. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    European smartphone market faces volatility amid sales decline and recovery

    European smartphone sales fell 10% in Q2 2026 due to rising costs and economic instability, though a late June recovery was sparked by Amazon Prime Day and a shift toward premium devices.

  14. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    India smartphone shipments fall 10% in Q2 2026

    India's smartphone shipments fell 10% in Q2 2026, as affordable segments declined sharply while the super-premium segment surged 72% due to financing options.

  15. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    US budget smartphone sales drop 64% due to rising chip costs

    U.S. sales of smartphones under $100 fell 64% in Q2 2026 as rising memory chip costs force manufacturers to raise prices or discontinue budget models.

  16. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Memory cost surges threaten global PC and smartphone markets

    Rising DRAM and SSD prices are expected to cause a significant contraction in PC and smartphone shipments by 2026, potentially eliminating the sub-$500 entry-level PC market by 2028.

  17. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Smartphone market faces rising costs as entry-level sales plunge

    Rising component costs are reshaping the smartphone market. While U.S. entry-level sales fell 64% in Q2 2026, Samsung and Motorola gained share, and Huawei cut prices on its Mate X6 foldable.

  18. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 12 sources
    Smartphone market faces decline as memory costs rise

    Global smartphone shipments fell 7% in Q2 2026 due to rising memory costs driven by AI demand, prompting a shift toward premium devices and the refurbished market.

  19. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Smartphone revenue hits $109 billion in Q2 2026 despite shipment declines

    Global smartphone revenue hit $109 billion in Q2 2026, rising 7% despite lower shipments, as rising component costs push consumers toward higher-priced premium models.

  20. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Global PC and Smartphone Markets Hit by 2026 Chip Shortage Price Hikes

    Motherboard prices may rise 50% in Q3 2026 as component costs surge, while global smartphone shipments fell 11% in Q2 2026 amid DRAM/NAND shortages, prompting a shift to premium models.

  21. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Qualcomm raises Snapdragon chip prices, driving up Android phone costs

    Qualcomm’s September 2026 Snapdragon price hike and soaring memory costs have pushed Samsung’s mobile division into its first quarterly loss, signaling higher Android phone prices for 2026‑27 models.

  22. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 22 sources
    Apple captures 49% of global smartphone revenue as memory‑chip shortage drives price hikes

    Q2 2026 smartphone revenue hit $109 bn (+7 %) with ASP $400 (+17 %). Apple took 49 % of revenue, Samsung led shipments, Xiaomi fell 26 %. Memory‑chip prices quadrupled, prompting price hikes.

  23. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 11 sources
    Qualcomm Announces Double-Digit Snapdragon Chip Price Hike Amid Semiconductor Cost Surge

    Qualcomm will raise Snapdragon prices by double‑digits from Sep 1 2026 as memory and component costs surge, cutting smartphone‑chip revenue 20 % and prompting Apple to shift to its own modems.

  24. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources
    Samsung leads as global smartphone shipments fall 6% in Q2 2026

    Q2 2026 smartphone shipments fell 6% to 272 million; Samsung stayed top with 22% share, Apple grew 23% to 20% share, while Xiaomi dropped 26% to 11% share, amid high memory costs.

  25. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 51 sources
    Qualcomm forecasts weak profit as Apple component revenue set to fall sharply

    Qualcomm posted $9.9 bn Q3 revenue, forecast $9.7‑$10.5 bn Q4 and EPS $2.05‑$2.25, warns Apple component share will fall below 20% and will raise prices from Sep 1. Apple expects $108‑$109 bn revenue, 15.5% YoY

  26. about 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 11 sources
    Global Smartphone and PC Shipments Fall as Memory Chip Prices Surge

    Q2 2026 global smartphone shipments fell 6 % to 272 M and PC shipments fell 4.9 % to 68.2 M as memory‑chip price hikes force vendors, including Apple, to raise prices and launch lease programs.

  27. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Apple iPhone Loyalty Hits 87% as Android Switches Decline in Q1 2026

    CIRP data shows 87% of Q1 2026 iPhone buyers were existing iPhone users, up from 84% a year earlier, while only 12% switched from Android, down from 14%.

  28. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Memory price surge cuts global smartphone and PC shipments in Q2 2026

    Rising memory costs caused global smartphone shipments to drop 4% and PC shipments to fall 3.6% in Q2 2026, with Samsung and Apple gaining share while overall demand weakens.

  29. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    Apple iPhone loyalty reaches 87% in 2026 while Samsung and Xiaomi see record brand confidence

    2026 surveys show 87% iPhone loyalty, record 96% Apple and 90% Samsung brand loyalty, and Xiaomi tops reliability at 94.1%.

  30. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 12 sources
    Samsung reclaims global lead as smartphone shipments plunge 11% amid memory‑chip crunch

    Smartphone shipments fell 11% YoY in Q2 2026, the lowest since 2013. Samsung leads with 24% share, Apple hits a record 20%; a memory‑chip shortage drives price hikes and hurts budget models worldwide.

  31. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    PC sales drop 4% globally as Chinese smartphone shipments fall 4.3% in Q2

    Q2 saw a 4% global PC sales drop and a 4.3% decline in Chinese smartphone shipments, both linked to rising component prices; Apple grew while Huawei fell.

  32. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 86 sources
    Samsung retakes global lead as smartphone shipments hit 13‑year low

    Smartphone shipments fell 11% in Q2 2026, the lowest since 2013, as a memory‑chip shortage lifts prices. Samsung retook #1 with 24% share and Apple hit a record 20% share despite the market slump.

  33. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Global Smartphone Prices Rise as Memory Costs Soar

    Memory cost hikes are pushing entry‑level smartphone prices up, prompting Omdia to predict a 12% drop in 2026 shipments and a 22% shrinkage of the sub‑$400 segment.

  34. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Apple and Huawei drive smartphone sales as China's market contracts, Taiwan sees Apple surge

    China's H1 2026 smartphone market fell 10%, with only Huawei and Apple growing; Taiwan's weekly rankings show Apple topping the list with six models in the top ten.

  35. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 11 sources
    Apple Watch Holds 90% of Edge‑AI Smartwatch Shipments in Q1 2026

    Apple Watch captured about 90 % of Edge‑AI smartwatch shipments in Q1 2026, as Edge‑AI hit 25 % of the market with 70 % YoY growth; Apple’s Neural Engine leads health features while rivals like Huawei, Qualcomm

  36. 2 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Samsung Galaxy S26 sales surge as Apple trims iPhone 17 output; Trump Phone draws criticism

    Samsung's Galaxy S26 sales jump while Apple cuts iPhone 17 production; the Trump Phone faces criticism for poor specs and security risks.

  37. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Global low‑cost smartphone shipments set to fall 22% as storage prices surge

    Omdia forecasts a >22% drop in sub‑$400 smartphone shipments in 2026 due to soaring storage costs, while Japanese retailers promote value‑focused mid‑range Android phones such as the arrows Alpha and Redmi Note

  38. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Global Smartphone Prices Set to Rise 21% in 2026 as Market Shifts to Premium

    Omdia projects smartphone shipments to fall 12% in 2026 while average prices jump 21% to $565, driven by soaring memory and display‑panel costs, prompting makers to drop low‑end models.

  39. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Apple Leads Global Smartphone Sales in Q1 2026

    Apple took 21% of Q1 2026 global smartphone sales, topping the list with three iPhone 17 models; Samsung filled five spots, while overall shipments fell 6% amid chip shortages.

  40. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Global smartphone market average price to hit $565 in 2026

    Omdia projects a 12.2% drop in 2026 smartphone shipments to 1.09 bn units, while average selling price climbs to $565, driven by soaring component costs and a shift toward premium models.

  41. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 10 sources
    Global Smartphone Shipments to Drop 12% as Prices Reach $565 in 2026

    Global smartphone shipments are expected to fall 12% in 2026 as average prices hit a record $565, driven by soaring memory costs; GenAI phones will reach 45% of shipments, and refurbished sales are growing amid

  42. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    India's smartphone exports to the US surge 47% in April 2026, led by Apple

    India's smartphone exports to the US jumped 47% in April 2026 to $2.43 bn, driven largely by Apple’s iPhone production, raising India’s share of US imports to about 70%.

  43. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Apple Watch Leads Global Smartwatch Market in Q1 2026 with 23% Share

    Apple Watch held 23 % of global smartwatch shipments in Q1 2026, up 21 % YoY, leading market recovery; Huawei 17 % and Samsung fell to 5 %.

  44. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Apple Watch drives global smartwatch market growth as Samsung shares plunge

    Smartwatch shipments grew 4% in Q1 2026, led by Apple’s 21% boost to 23% market share, while Samsung’s share fell 28% to 5%; Huawei dominates a Chinese market that expanded 15%.

  45. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Apple expands smartwatch lead as Samsung shares plunge

    Q1 2026 smartwatch shipments grew 4%; Apple lifted its share to 23% while Samsung fell 28% in shipments, dropping to 5% share, with Huawei advancing to second place.

  46. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    Apple Watch shipments jump 21% in Q1 2026, securing 23% market share

    Apple Watch shipments rose 21% YoY in Q1 2026, capturing 23% of the global smartwatch market as overall shipments grew 4%; Huawei gained share while Samsung fell sharply.

  47. 3 months ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Apple ramps up iPhone output in Q1 2026 as global smartphone production falls

    Apple boosted Q1 2026 iPhone production to 60.2 million units, up 19.7% YoY, while global smartphone output fell 1.7% to 284 million, with further declines forecast.

  48. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    US Smartphone Market Q1 2026: Apple Holds 60% Share as Samsung Slips, Memory Shortage Looms

    In Q1 2026 the US smartphone market fell 3% YoY; Apple kept about 60% share while Samsung slipped to 24% and Motorola grew 18%. A memory‑chip shortage risks a steeper 2026 decline, with production projected to

  49. 3 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Apple Boosts iPhone Production 20% as Global Smartphone Output Falls 1.7% in Q1

    Apple increased iPhone output 20% YoY to 60.2 million units in Q1 2026, while global smartphone production fell 1.7% to 284 million; Samsung led with 62.6 million units and a 16% annual decline is projected.

  50. 4 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 10 sources
    Apple iPhone shipments up 8% in Latin America amid worldwide smartphone market slump of 13.9%

    Apple’s iPhone shipments rose 8% in Latin America Q1 2026, while the global smartphone market is set to shrink 13.9% due to a worsening memory‑chip shortage, hitting budget phones hardest.

  51. 4 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    European smartphone market posts modest Q1 growth as HONOR logs double‑digit gains worldwide

    European smartphone shipments grew 2% in Q1 2026, led by Samsung and Apple with record prices, while Chinese brand HONOR posted double‑digit growth globally, including 73% in the Middle East and 101% in Africa.

  52. 4 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Apple iPhone sales jump 31% while Xiaomi grows 26% in Central America Q1 2026

    Apple iPhone sales rose 31% in LATAM Q1 2026, led by Mexico, while Xiaomi posted 26% growth in Central America, boosting its regional share.

Sources

1001infos.net · 199it.com · 36kr.com · 36kr.jp · 4gnews.pt · 9to5google.com · 9to5mac.com · 9to5toys.com · acvila30.ro · ad-hoc-news.de · advanced-television.com · aktiencheck.de · aldohamagazine.com · analyticsinsight.net · android-mt.ouest-france.fr · androidgeek.pt · androidkenya.com · androidnews.de · androidplanet.nl · androidworld.nl · antaranews.com · apalos.es · apcmag.com · appgamers.de · appgefahren.de · applemust.com · appletvitalia.it · appleworld.today · archynetys.com · archyworldys.com · arenait.net · ariase.com · arstechnica.com · asaaseradio.com · assodigitale.it · asymco.com · avalanchenoticias.com.br · bajtbox.com · ballerstatus.com · baoquocte.vn · batista70phone.com · bhaskarlive.in · bitfinanzas.com · biz.cafef.vn · biz.heraldcorp.com · blikk.hu · blog-nouvelles-technologies.fr · blog.geoactivegroup.com

This summary has been updated 36 times: see revision history