Apple beats Samsung in 2025 global smartphone race as a memory crunch clouds 2026
Apple narrowly led global smartphone shipments in 2025, shipping 247.8 million units for a 19.7% market share, just ahead of Samsung’s 241.2 million and 19.1%, according to IDC. Holiday demand lifted volumes despite parts shortages and higher costs. Analysts warn 2026 may see memory shortages and price drops hit low- and mid-tier phones hardest. Chipmakers are ramping up DRAM production to address tightening supply.