The International Data Corporation (IDC) released its preliminary worldwide smartphone shipments report for Q1,2026 and the numbers show declining demand. A total of 289.7 million devices were shipped in the first three months of 2026, representing a 4.1% decline compared to the same period last year.
This turn of events marks the first quarter of negative growth since 2023, largely driven by “acute memory supply constraints” affecting both shipments and demand. IDC analysts also highlighted the rising bill‑of‑materials costs, which have forced certain makers like Samsung to resort to price hikes.
Samsung was the leading brand in terms of device shipments for the period, with an estimated 62.8 million shipments and a 21.7% market share. IDC analysts highlight strong demand for the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside the earlier launch of the Galaxy A367 and A57, which are expected to be key volume drivers for the brand throughout the year.
Apple came in second with 61.1 million shipments and a 19.6% market share. The iPhone 17 series continues to garner consumer attention and saw significant growth in China. Apple and Samsung were the only brands in the top five to see positive year-over-year growth in terms of shipments and market share.
| Top 5 Companies, Worldwide Smartphone Shipments, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2026 (Preliminary results, shipments in millions of units) |
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| Company | 1Q26 Shipments | 1Q26 Market Share | 1Q25 Shipments | 1Q25 Market Share | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Samsung | 62.8 | 21.7% | 60.6 | 20.1% | 3.6% |
| 2. Apple | 61.1 | 21.1% | 59.1 | 19.6% | 3.3% |
| 3. Xiaomi | 33.8 | 11.7% | 41.8 | 13.8% | -19.1% |
| 4. OPPO | 30.7 | 10.6% | 34.1 | 11.3% | -9.9% |
| 5. vivo | 21.2 | 7.3% | 22.7 | 7.5% | -6.8% |
| Others | 80.1 | 27.6% | 83.6 | 27.7% | -4.2% |
| Total | 289.7 | 100.0% | 302.0 | 100.0% | -4.1% |
| Source: IDC Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, April 14, 2026 | |||||
Xiaomi ranked third with 33.8 million shipments, 8 million less than Q1,2025 and an 11.7% market share. Oppo came in fourth with 30.7 million shipments and a 10% market share, while vivo rounded out the list with 21.2 million shipments and a 7.5% share of the global market.
Looking ahead, IDC analysts predict turbulent months for the smartphone market as the ongoing memory chip crisis will continue to push average selling prices (ASPs). Developed markets like the US will be less susceptible to price increases, but emerging markets with a focus on devices in the sub-$200 price category will likely see decreased demand. Memory prices are expected to stabilize in the second half of 2027.