IDC Predicts Record Annual Decline for Global Smartphone Shipments

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Smartphone Market Faces Record Decline: IDC Warns of 12.9% Shrinkage in 2026

Smartphones and Home Renovation Lead Big-Ticket Buys | When it comes to major spends, 44% of households are eyeing smartphones and consumer electronics, while an equal 44% plan to invest in home renovation. White goods like refrigerators and air conditioners follow at 29%. (Image: Canva)

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CNBC TV18•27-02-2026, 08:48

Smartphone Market Faces Record Decline: IDC Warns of 12.9% Shrinkage in 2026

•The global smartphone market is projected to shrink by 12.9% in 2026, reaching 1.12 billion units, marking the steepest annual decline ever recorded.
•This downturn is attributed to an intensifying memory shortage crisis, disrupting supply chains and increasing component costs.
•Apple and Samsung are better positioned to navigate the crisis, potentially expanding market share, while smaller Android vendors struggle with rising costs.
•The disruption is expected to cause a structural reset of the smartphone market, with average selling prices rising by 14% to a record $523 in 2026.
•Memory prices are projected to stabilize by mid-2027 but will not return to earlier levels, making sub-$100 smartphones commercially unviable.

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