Memory shortage could cause the biggest smartphone shipments dip in over a decade
ThinkingNews Desk · how this was written
IDC projects global smartphone shipments falling to about 1.12 billion units in 2026, down from roughly 1.26 billion the previous year—a decline of roughly 13 percent, the steepest drop in more than a decade. The contraction is attributed to a memory shortage that is driving up component costs and limiting device production.
Written from all 4 reports below, not from any single one.
How it was reported
- TechCrunch·Memory shortage could cause the biggest smartphone shipments dip in over a decade
IDC forecasts 1.12 billion smartphone shipments, down from 1.26 billion last year. This decline is attributed to a memory shortage. Smartphone shipments will experience their largest dip in over a decade.
- TechMeme·IDC: global smartphone shipments will fall 12.9% YoY to 1.12B units in 2026, the market's largest-ever decline, as surging memory prices drive up device costs (Kritika Lamba/Reuters)
Global smartphone shipments will fall 12.9% YoY to 1.12B units in 2026. Surging memory prices drive up device costs. This decline is the market's largest-ever.
- The Verge·Smartphone sales could be in for their biggest drop ever
Smartphone shipments are forecast to drop 12.9 percent in 2026. The average selling price will increase 14 percent to $523. A RAM shortage caused by AI demand is driving the decline.
- Hacker News·Smartphone Mkt to Decline 13% in '26, Largest Drop Ever Due to Memory Shortage
The smartphone market will decline 13% in 2026. This drop is the largest ever, caused by a memory shortage. Global smartphone sales will be impacted.
- TechCrunch·Memory shortage could cause the biggest dip in smartphone shipments in over a decade
IDC forecasts 1.12 billion smartphone shipments. This is down from 1.26 billion last year. Smartphone shipments will decline due to a memory shortage.