Global Smartphone Shipments to Hit Record Low in 2026 Amidst Ongoing Memory Shortage, Prices Expected to Rise: IDC

According to the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) latest report, the memory chip shortage is expected to cause the global smartphone market to shrink this year. The annual smartphone shipments could fall to their lowest level in over a decade. Countries with a large share of entry-level smartphones could be affected more. The memory prices are expected to stabilise by mid next year, but IDC believes that the industry will not return to its previous normal.