Smartphone Shipments Hit Lowest Q3 Since 2012 as AI Memory Demand Bites

Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year over year in Q3 2026, the weakest third quarter since 2012, according to Counterpoint Research. AI data centers absorbed DRAM and NAND capacity, pushing smartphone prices up about 20%. Samsung held the top spot with 23% share, Apple hit a record 22%, and Xiaomi shipments dropped more than 30%.

• Q3 2026 smartphone shipments fell 20% year over year
• Smartphone prices rose about 20% amid DRAM and NAND shortages
• Samsung kept 23% share with shipments down just 3%
• Apple hit a record 22% Q3 share, its first time above 20%