GoKawiilGlobal smartphone shipments fall 20% in Q3 2026 amid memory chip shortage
Counterpoint Research reports worldwide smartphone shipments dropped 20% in the third quarter of 2026, the lowest level since 2012, as a shortage of DRAM and NAND chips pushed phone prices up roughly 20% this year. Samsung and Apple both gained market share—23% and 22% respectively—but each still saw shipments decline year-over-year, while Samsung raised Galaxy S26 prices by $100 and Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro line launched $100 higher than its predecessor.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The memory squeeze stems largely from AI infrastructure spending, with Gartner estimating $1.4 trillion in AI infrastructure investment this year and TrendForce noting over 70% of global memory output is being diverted to AI, which analysts suggest is crowding out chip supply for consumer devices. This could mean sustained higher prices for phones and other electronics as long as AI demand for memory remains elevated, potentially reshaping consumer upgrade cycles and vendor pricing strategies going forward.
- Smartphone shipments fell 20% year-over-year in Q3 2026, the lowest quarterly figure since 2012.
- Rising DRAM and NAND costs, driven by AI infrastructure demand, have pushed phone prices up about 20% in 2026.
- Samsung and Apple grew market share to 23% and 22% respectively despite overall shipment declines, while both raised flagship phone prices by $100.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE — With phone prices climbing due to the memory shortage, a value-packed phone like the Galaxy S24 FE lets you get modern features without chasing the priciest flagship. It's a smart way to hold onto reliable performance while the market sorts out RAM costs.
See Samsung Galaxy S24 FE on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Alex Valdes, 2026-10-12
Published there as: “Smartphone Shipments Just Hit a New Low. Thanks, RAMageddon”
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