Memory-cost surge drives record quarterly smartphone shipment drop
Smartphone shipments fell 22% as rising memory costs pressured manufacturers and pushed the market toward higher-priced models.
Key takeaways
- Smartphone shipments fell 22%, the worst quarterly performance on record, according to IDC data.
- Memory storage costs rose about 350% over the past year, the report said.
Smartphone shipments fell 22% in the September quarter, marking the sector’s worst quarterly performance on record, according to IDC data cited by Ekonomim.
The report said memory storage costs climbed about 350% over the past year, driven by heavy orders from the AI industry. Manufacturers raised prices and removed some budget-focused models as costs squeezed profitability.
Xiaomi and Oppo were among the brands hit hardest, while Apple and Samsung were more resilient thanks to their broad premium phone ranges. Experts cited in the report expect smartphone market growth and a lasting recovery no earlier than 2028.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
