Global Phone Shipments Hit 14-Year Low as Buyers Hold Devices Longer

Global smartphone shipments have fallen to their lowest third-quarter level in 14 years, according to Counterpoint Research figures reported by TechRadar. The research firm says shipments this quarter are 20% below the third quarter of 2025.

TechRadar reports that the ongoing memory supply crisis is the likely primary driver. Rising component prices and shortages are said to be disrupting shipments for phone manufacturers, leaving some models in shorter supply. For buyers, that translates into higher prices, which can make an upgrade less appealing or less affordable.

But the outlet notes that the memory crisis may not explain the whole picture. Counterpoint also claims consumers are holding on to their devices longer than expected. TechRadar points out that high prices could themselves cause people to delay upgrading, so if owners are still keeping phones longer than anticipated even after that behavior is factored in, other forces may be at work. The report does not offer a specific explanation.

TechRadar suggests two possible interpretations, presented as commentary rather than confirmed findings. One is that modern phones, including lower-end models, are capable enough to run well for years, which was not always the case. The other is that at the high end, manufacturers face growing difficulty delivering meaningful upgrades or differentiation when flagship devices already exceed what most users need in power, screens and cameras.

On the vendor side, Apple and Samsung appear the most resilient, per the report. Samsung increased its market share to 23% despite a 3% decline in shipments compared with the same period last year, largely attributed to the success of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. Apple also grew its share, reaching 22%, even though it too sold fewer phones than a year earlier. TechRadar speculates Apple might have performed better had it shipped a base iPhone 18 rather than waiting until next year for that model.

Other brands, including Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, saw sharp shipment declines and corresponding drops in market share, which allowed Apple and Samsung to expand their own shares.

Across the industry, the report indicates fewer phones are being sold. TechRadar observes that conditions might improve once the memory crisis ends, but warns they may not fully return to normal if additional factors are driving the shift in customer behavior.

What remains unclear is how much of the slowdown is purely supply-driven and how much reflects a lasting change in upgrade habits. Counterpoint's data points to both, but does not quantify the split. The vendor share shifts suggest that even in a shrinking market, brand strength and product timing can still move the needle.