International Data Corporation (IDC) released its preliminary worldwide smartphone shipment 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, which represents a decline of 4.1% compared to the same period last year.
This turn of events marks the first quarter of negative growth since 2023, driven primarily by “acute memory supply constraints” impacting both shipments and demand. IDC analysts also highlighted rising material costs, which has forced some manufacturers like Samsung to resort to price hikes.
With an estimated 62.8 million shipments and 21.7% market share, Samsung was the leading brand in terms of device shipments for the period. IDC analysts have highlighted the strong demand for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, along with the first launches of the Galaxy A36 and A57, which are expected to be key volume drivers for the brand throughout the year.
Apple came in second place with 61.1 million shipments and 19.6% market share. The iPhone 17 series continues to attract consumer attention and has seen significant growth in China. Apple and Samsung were the only brands in the top five to see positive year-on-year growth in terms of shipments and market share.
| Top 5 companies, worldwide smartphone shipments, market share and year-on-year growth, Q1 2026 (Preliminary results, shipments in millions of units) |
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| company | 1Q26 Shipment | 1Q26 market share | 1Q25 Shipment | 1Q25 market share | year-on-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. Opposition | 30.7 | 10.6% | 34.1 | 11.3% | -9.9% |
| 5. Vivo | 21.2 | 7.3% | 22.7 | 7.5% | -6.8% |
| Other | 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, down 8 million from Q1,2025 and 11.7% market share. Oppo came in fourth place with 30.7 million shipments and 10% market share, while Vivo joined the list with 21.2 million shipments and 7.5% global market share.
Looking ahead, IDC analysts predict there will be turbulent months for the smartphone market as the ongoing memory chip crisis continues to drive up average selling prices (ASPs). Developed markets like the US will be less sensitive to price increases, but emerging markets that focus on devices in the sub-$200 price category will see demand decline. Memory prices are expected to stabilize in the second half of 2027.