<2> Smartphone Market To Decline 13% in 2026, Marking the Largest Drop Ever Due To the Memory Shortage Crisis
<3> Global Smartphone Shipments Forecast to Decline 12.9% in 2026
The International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker has released a report forecasting a significant decline in global smartphone shipments for 2026. According to the report, worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to decline 12.9% year-on-year (YoY) in 2026 to 1.1 billion units. This decline would bring the smartphone market to its lowest annual shipment volume in more than a decade.
<3> The Memory Shortage Crisis: A Major Contributing Factor
The current forecast represents a sharp decline from the IDC’s November forecast, amid the intensifying memory shortage crisis. The memory shortage crisis has been affecting the global electronics industry, including the smartphone market, due to a combination of factors such as supply chain disruptions, manufacturing delays, and increased demand for memory chips.
<3> Impact on the Smartphone Industry
The decline in smartphone shipments is expected to have a significant impact on the smartphone industry, with many manufacturers facing reduced sales and revenue. The decline is also expected to lead to increased