Global shipment of smartphones hits ‘new low’ amid supply shortages

What happened

According to the authors of the report, the market decline was close to their expectations, as relentless increases in resource prices intensified. BUSINESS Global shipment of smartphones hits ‘new low’ amid supply shortages by Laura Varley 13 Oct 2026 Save article Image: © Deyan Georgiev/Stock.adobe.com According to the authors of the report, the market decline was close to their expectations, as relentless increases in resource prices intensified.

A report published by Counterpoint Research, which is a worldwide market research firm specialising in products across the technology ecosystem, has found that global smartphone shipments declined by 20pc year-on-year in Q3 of 2026. Counterpoint’s research suggests that the sharp inflation of bill of material (BOM) costs and worsening supply shortages have greatly disrupted the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) shipments, globally. This is the lowest Q3 figure in 14 years, according to preliminary estimates from Counterpoint Research’s Market Monitor service.