Apple's time as the top smartphone maker in the world has come to an end for the time being. According to a new report from tech market research firm Counterpoint, Samsung has reclaimed its title from Apple as the mobile industry's global leader in Q2 2026. And it seems Apple's loss is at least partially attributable to the ongoing global RAM shortage, which has led to fewer people buying phones."The outlook for the rest of 2026 remains challenging," Counterpoint says in its report. The research firm expects a roughly 14 percent decline in global smartphone shipments for the year, with price increases putting pressure on shoppers.
You May Also Like
Samsung and Apple have been neck-and-neck for years in the race as the world's most popular smartphone manufacturer. At the start of the year, Apple overcame Samsung to become the industry leader on the strength of record-breaking iPhone sales.However, the latest data shows that Samsung has had a strong start in 2026, propelling the company back to the top. Samsung now has a 24 percent global mobile market share, the strongest of any of the top five brands in the category. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 line was the driver behind shipment growth, according to the report. Counterpoint says that the Galaxy S26 Ultra model released in March emerged as the "standout performer."
