Overview
- Counterpoint Research says Apple was the top global shipper in Q1 2026 with roughly 21% of shipments, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup.
- Omdia reports iPhone shipments to Latin America rose 31% year‑over‑year in Q1 2026 to about 1.8 million units, with Mexico up roughly 80% and Apple climbing to third in that market.
- Counterpoint found global sell‑through dropped about 10% year‑over‑year in April 2026, the weakest monthly volume since May 2020, as consumers delayed purchases and higher component costs reduced demand.
- Shortages and rising prices for DRAM and NAND have led vendors to build inventory and secure supply, and analysts expect those memory cost increases to push retail prices up from late Q2 2026 and to hit sub‑$300 phones hardest.
- The expected price rise will reduce discounts and availability for entry‑level devices while premium vendors like Apple can use trade‑ins and installment plans to shield sales, and some analysts warn the memory squeeze could extend into late 2027.