Global smartphone market hits 13-year Q2 low as memory crunch lifts prices; India cushioned

Shipments fell 3.1% YoY to a 13-year Q2 low as LPDDR memory prices roughly doubled from Q4 2025, pushing wholesale prices up 14% in Q1. Samsung (24% share) and Apple (20% share, shipments +3%) gained ground while budget brands strained. India flagged as a key market seeing fewer price hikes, softening the consumer blow.

— Filed Tue, 14 Jul, 2026, 17:46 IST · Source Business Today · Latest · Updated

Global smartphone shipments hit a 13-year Q2 low amid a memory chip crunch raising prices. Samsung and Apple gain share; budget brands strain. India named as a key market with fewer price hikes, giving a retail-relevant India hook.