Signal Desk · Companies

Smartphone shipments hit worst third quarter in 14 years

2026-10-13 · 1 source · BusinessLine Companies

In short

Global smartphone shipments had their worst third quarter in 14 years. Higher memory-chip prices for AI systems raised costs, so makers lifted prices and cut shipments.

This matters for smartphone makers, suppliers and buyers. The report says companies are focusing more on profit than volume, but it does not give the shipment number or list all affected brands.

What the reporting says

Global smartphone shipments recorded their worst third quarter in 14 years, according to the headline and publisher summary. Rising memory-component prices for AI infrastructure increased production costs and pushed manufacturers to raise prices, cut shipments and prioritise profitability over volumes. The source does not provide the shipment figure, and it does not name every affected company or market.

Why it matters

Global smartphone shipments fell to their worst third quarter in 14 years, with rising memory-component prices for AI infrastructure pushing up production costs. Manufacturers responded by raising prices, cutting shipments and prioritising profitability over volume. The move matters for smartphone makers and component suppliers, but the source does not name all affected firms or provide the shipment count.

Touches: Companies, AI, Markets

Sources