US smartphone shipments declined 3% year-over-year in Q1 2026 to 33.4 million units. The decline followed an inventory build-up by manufacturers in Q1 2025 ahead of upcoming import tariffs. Higher memory chip prices increased pressure, while smartphone purchases slowed. Delayed launches compressed sell-through, including the Galaxy S26 series arriving about a month later than in 2025. Apple gained premium share as consumers chose iPhone 17, with the series accounting for 70% of Apple shipments, though Apple shipments still fell 3% year-over-year. Samsung ranked second with a 5% decline, despite 25% higher pre-orders for Galaxy S26. Motorola grew 18% on an updated Moto G portfolio, while Google slipped 7% as Pixel 10 sales stayed stagnant. The market became more polarized, with sub-$300 growing 8% and $800+ falling 1%, while mid-range weakened.
"Another key takeaway from the analysis is that the US market is becoming more polarized with time. The premium and low-end segments seem to be more resistant to the current market conditions compared to the mid-range tier. The sub-$300 category grew by 8% while the premium $800+ bracket fell by only 1%. The $300-599 a"
Read at GSMArena.com
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