IDC sees global smartphone shipments dipping in 2026 as memory costs bite

Dec 2 (Reuters) - Global smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 0.9% in 2026 as rising memory chip ​prices are pushing average selling prices to record highs, according to research ‌firm IDC. The drop follows a stronger 2025, when shipments are forecast to grow 1.5% to 1.‌25 billion units, driven by Apple's strong performance and a rebound in China. Apple is on track for a record year in 2025, with shipments projected to rise 6.1% to 247 million units, helped by surging demand for its iPhone 17 ...