According to the latest report by market research firm Counterpoint Research, global smartphone shipments declined by 6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, primarily due to shortages of DRAM and NAND memory chips, as well as escalating tensions in the Middle East. The memory chip shortage disrupted supply chains and drove up OEM costs, while the situation in the Middle East also undermined consumer confidence. Against this backdrop, Apple secured the top spot in the global smartphone market for the first time in the first quarter, capturing a 21% market share—a 5% year-on-year increase. Samsung's shipments fell by 6% year-on-year, with a market share of 20%. Xiaomi maintained its third-place position with a 12% market share, though it experienced a 19% year-on-year decline. OPPO and vivo ranked fourth and fifth, with market shares of 11% and 8%, respectively. The firm predicts that the memory chip shortage may persist until the end of 2027, with the global smartphone market remaining sluggish in 2026.