- Updated: February 27, 2026
- 2 min read
Smartphone Shipments Set to Decline in 2026 Amid Global Memory Shortage, IDC Reports
The global smartphone market is bracing for its steepest drop in more than a decade as a severe memory‑chip shortage drives down shipments and pushes up device prices. According to IDC, worldwide smartphone shipments are projected to fall by roughly 12‑13% in 2026, marking the biggest annual decline since the early 2010s.
IDC’s forecast shows that the shortage of DRAM and NAND flash – essential components for modern smartphones – will not only cut the number of units shipped but also raise the average selling price of phones by about 14% across all regions. The impact is felt most strongly in high‑end segments, where manufacturers rely heavily on large‑capacity memory modules to support advanced camera systems, AI processing, and 5G connectivity.
“The memory constraints are creating a perfect storm for the industry,” said an IDC analyst in the latest market outlook. “Manufacturers are forced to either delay launches, reduce memory configurations, or pass the cost onto consumers, all of which will suppress demand.
While the shortage is expected to ease later in 2027 as new production capacity comes online, the short‑term effects are already visible. Major brands are revising their 2026 roadmaps, with some postponing flagship releases and others opting for lower‑memory variants to stay within supply limits.
Read the full story on TechCrunch for more details.
For deeper analysis of how memory constraints affect device pricing and market dynamics, visit our Memory Technology page and explore the latest 2026 Smartphone Market Analysis.
Andrii Bidochko
CTO UBOS
Andrii Bidochko is an AI entrepreneur and researcher focused on AI agents, reinforcement learning, and autonomous systems. He writes about the technologies shaping the future of machine intelligence, from frontier models and agent architectures to real-world AI applications.