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iPhone growth defies the smartphone market’s worst second quarter in 13 years

Apple’s iPhone shipments rose 3% in the second quarter of 2026 even as the global smartphone market fell 11% to its lowest second-quarter level since 2013.

Close-up of a smartphone top screen showing time, battery, signal icons, and a small black status bar with headphone and power symbols against a colorful blurred gradient backgroundiPhone 17 Pro Max

Global smartphone shipments fell 11% from the second quarter of 2025. Apple’s share of global shipments climbed separately to a second-quarter record of 20%.

Samsung remained the market leader with a 24% share after posting the strongest year-over-year growth among the five largest smartphone makers. Xiaomi followed Apple with 12%, while Oppo and Vivo held 11% and 8%, respectively.

Rising DRAM and NAND memory prices drove much of the decline as suppliers prioritized demand from AI data centers. The resulting pressure has fallen hardest on entry-level and midrange phones, where manufacturers have less room to absorb higher component costs.

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