Smartphone Shipments Slump as AI Demand Squeezes Memory Supply
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Analysts expect the memory shortage to persist into 2027, clouding the industry’s near-term outlook. Photo: VCG
Global smartphone shipments fell sharply in the second quarter of 2026 as a severe memory chip shortage fueled by the artificial intelligence boom forced manufacturers to hike prices.
With suppliers prioritizing lucrative AI data centers over consumer electronics, the resulting cost squeeze has battered budget-reliant Chinese brands while allowing premium heavyweights Samsung and Apple to solidify their market dominance.
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