Latest Mobile & Gadgets News
Global Smartphone Shipments Fall 4.1% in Q1 2026 Amid Memory Constraints
Global smartphone shipments dropped 4.1% year-over-year to 289.7 million units in Q1 2026, ending a 10-quarter growth streak, primarily due to memory supply issues and price increases. IDC anticipates further slowdowns ahead.
Samsung reclaimed the top spot with a 3.6% YoY shipment increase driven by Galaxy S26 Ultra demand.
Samsung Leads Q1 2026 Smartphone Market with Galaxy S26 Ultra Success
Samsung saw 3.6% YoY growth in Q1 2026 shipments, boosted by strong Galaxy S26 Ultra sales despite a later launch and consistent pricing. The earlier mid-range A-Series release also contributed to filling volume gaps.
This positioned Samsung ahead of competitors.
Apple Grows in Declining Q1 2026 Smartphone Market
Apple achieved growth in Q1 2026 amid a 4.1% global shipment decline, benefiting from market dynamics despite overall memory constraints. Specific shipment figures highlight its resilience in a challenging quarter.
The market ended a two-year growth period.
Japan Implements Strict Power Bank Carry-On Rules from April 24, 2026
New regulations limit carry-on power banks to 2 units each ≤160Wh, effective April 24, 2026 (JST), to enhance aircraft safety. Charging power banks or using them to charge devices onboard is prohibited.
Airlines like JAL and ANA provide specific guidance.
Pakistan Hikes Duties on Used Phones by 175%
Pakistan's FBR increased duties on used phones by 175%, raising iPhone 15 Pro Max valuation from $460 to $505, affecting 62 models. Used iPhone 14 Pro Max now valued at $413 from $360, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at $305 from $255.
Valuations apply to commercially imported phones without packaging.
OPPO Ranks Fourth in Q1 2026 Smartphone Shipments
OPPO secured fourth place globally in Q1 2026, integrating with realme and showing stronger performance in China offsetting international declines. This positioned it behind top leaders amid market contraction.
Shipments reflect regional strengths.
vivo Closes Gap with OPPO, Ranks Fifth in Global Smartphone Market
vivo took fifth spot in Q1 2026, narrowing the gap with OPPO through leadership in India and solid China performance. This contributed to its global positioning despite overall shipment drop.
Market dynamics favored key regions.
Honor Achieves 24% YoY Growth Outside Top 5 Smartphone Vendors
Honor recorded the highest Top 10 growth at 24% YoY in Q1 2026, focusing on overseas expansion amid global declines. Lenovo (Motorola) and Huawei also saw positive growth.
This highlights emerging players' momentum.
Smartphone Market Faces Intensifying Memory Crisis in 2026
IDC warns the 4% Q1 decline previews worse impacts from worsening memory shortages across the supply chain. Shipments fell 4-6% YoY per various methodologies, ending growth streak.
Price increases further dampen demand.
Used iPhone Prices Surge in Pakistan: iPhone 13 Pro Max Up to $374
Used iPhone 13 Pro Max valuation rose from $295 to $374, iPhone 13 Pro to $293 from $225, and iPhone 13 to $225 from $170. These hikes are part of broad duty increases on 62 models.
Impacts commercial imports equally.
Samsung Galaxy S22 and S21 Used Models See Sharp Duty Increases in Pakistan
Pakistan raised Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G to $260 from $160, S22 Plus to $180 from $75, and S21 Plus to $150 from $69. This 175% duty hike affects affordability of refurbished Samsung flagships.
Part of wider used phone policy shift.
Global Analysts Predict Tough 2026 for Smartphone Shipments
IDC's Anthony Scarsella states the Q1 4% drop signals broader memory issues intensifying market challenges. Supply constraints and rising prices expected to hinder growth throughout 2026.
Two-year expansion streak broken.