Global smartphone shipments hit a 14-year low

Global smartphone shipments fell to their lowest Q3 level in 14 years, according to Counterpoint Research, as buyers held on to their devices and a RAM shortage pushed up costs.

Shipments were 20% lower than in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, the report says. The RAM crisis is contributing to higher prices and component shortages, disrupting deliveries and leaving some models in shorter supply. Counterpoint also says consumers are keeping their phones longer than expected. The report does not identify why; the suggestion that phones have become less compelling is speculation.

Apple and Samsung appeared more resilient than other brands. Samsung’s market share rose to 23% even as its shipments fell 3% from the same period a year earlier. The report attributes much of that performance to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple’s share grew to 22%, although it also sold fewer phones year over year. TechRadar suggests Apple might have done better if it had shipped a base iPhone 18 instead of waiting until next year.

Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo saw sharper shipment declines and lost market share, according to the report. Shipments could improve after the RAM crisis eases, but the report leaves open whether other changes in buyer behavior may also be affecting demand.