Global Smartphone Output Falls 1.7% to 284 Million in Q1 as Memory Costs Threaten 16.2% 2026 Drop
Updated
Updated · GSMArena.com · Jun 9
Global Smartphone Output Falls 1.7% to 284 Million in Q1 as Memory Costs Threaten 16.2% 2026 Drop
3 articles · Updated · GSMArena.com · Jun 9
Summary
284 million smartphones were produced worldwide in Q1 2026, down 1.7% from a year earlier, with TrendForce saying the hit from pricier memory was muted only by manufacturers’ low-cost stockpiles.
1.051 billion units is TrendForce’s full-year 2026 forecast, a 16.2% decline, and it warned the drop could deepen if memory prices stay high and brands keep lifting retail prices.
Samsung led Q1 production with 62.6 million units, up 2.3% on Galaxy S26 launch demand, while Apple produced 60.2 million units, up 19.7% on strong iPhone 17e sales.
Chinese brands are more exposed because many rely on entry-level and mid-range phones with thinner margins; Oppo made 29.5 million units, Xiaomi 26.0 million, vivo 22.0 million, and Transsion 19.8 million.
TrendForce said premium-focused brands are better placed to absorb higher component costs, while new shortages threaten profitability across the broader smartphone market.