Apple and Samsung Gain as Global Memory Shortage Drives Smartphone Shipments to Record Lows
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| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Smartphone shipments hit historic lows due to a memory shortage. Apple and Samsung gain from the trend.
Apple and Samsung have benefited from a memory shortage that has pushed smartphone shipments to historic lows. As we previously reported, the memory shortage has been a significant challenge for the industry, with global smartphone shipments falling 11% in the second quarter to their lowest level since 2013. This decline has been driven by a prolonged memory chip shortage, which has driven up handset prices and dampened demand.
The memory shortage has had a disproportionate impact on smaller smartphone makers, allowing Apple and Samsung to gain market share despite the overall decline in shipments. According to recent reports, Apple and Samsung have continued to thrive in the face of component shortages and economic uncertainty, with Apple even achieving its first-ever Q1 smartphone crown.
As the memory crisis continues to reshape the competitive landscape, it will be important to watch how vendors adapt to the changing market conditions. With global smartphone shipments expected to fall 13.9% in 2026, the steepest drop on record, companies will need to find ways to navigate the challenges posed by the memory shortage and maintain their market share.
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