Apple captured a 21% global smartphone market share in Q1 2026. The company achieved 5% year-over-year growth during this period. This marks the first time Apple led the market in a first quarter.
Overall global smartphone shipments fell 6% year-over-year. A shortage of DRAM and NAND memory components drove the market contraction. Manufacturers reallocated production capacity to meet high demand for AI data centers.
Apple’s focus on premium devices provided insulation from the downturn. Samsung shipments declined 6%, resulting in a 20% market share. Xiaomi shipments dropped 13% during the same period.