In the first quarter of 2026, global smartphone production saw a decline of 1.7% compared to the same period the previous year, primarily due to a surge in memory chip prices in late 2025, forcing manufacturers to increase prices. Despite these challenges, Samsung maintained its position as the leading smartphone producer. The company produced nearly 62.6 million units, marking a 7% rise from the previous quarter and a 2.3% increase from the first quarter of 2025, driven by inventory buildup for its new Galaxy S26 phones. Apple followed closely, producing around 60.2 million units, with the launch of the iPhone 17e boosting its production by 19.7% compared to the last quarter of 2025. As component prices continue to rise, a significant decline in smartphone production is anticipated throughout the year, with projections suggesting a 16.2% drop from 2025, totaling 1.051 billion units in 2026. However, this figure could increase if prices continue to escalate.
Is Samsung still leading the smartphone market in Q1 2026?
