Models of the iPhone 17 line at an Apple store in Taiwan, in a photo taken on September 19, 2025 Reuters/Ann Wang Global smartphone shipments fell 11% in the second quarter, to the lowest level since 2013, due to the prolonged shortage of memory chips, which raised device prices and reduced demand, according to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint Research. ?? Do you have any reporting suggestions? Send to g1 Apple bucked the trend with a 3% increase in shipments, increasing its global market share to a record 20% in the quarter, due to resilient demand for its premium line of iPhones and maintained prices. However, analysts predict price increases in the coming months. Samsung regained the lead with a 24% share, benefiting from strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S26 line, better product availability and fewer price increases in markets such as India and the Middle East.
Global smartphone sales fall to lowest level in 13 years after memory chip shortage
Models of the iPhone 17 line at an Apple store in Taiwan, in a photo taken on September 19, 2025 Reuters/Ann Wang Global smartphone shipments fell 11% in the second quarter, to the lowest level since 2013, due to the...
Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, however, recorded the biggest drops in shipments among the top five smartphone manufacturers, reflecting their greater exposure to entry-level and mid-range devices. Counterpoint maintained its forecast of a roughly 14% drop in global smartphone shipments this year and said memory shortages will likely persist through 2027. Memory prices have continued to rise as vendors prioritize AI-focused data center customers over consumer electronics, forcing manufacturers to pass on higher component costs to consumers through price increases, particularly for entry-level and mid-range devices.
