Apple Inc. (AAPL  ) increased its global smartphone market share to 22% in the third quarter of 2026, crossing 20% for the first time in any third quarter, even as its shipments declined year-over-year.

The gain came during a sharp industry downturn. Global smartphone shipments fell 20% year over year to their lowest third-quarter level since 2012, according to preliminary data from Counterpoint Research's Market Monitor service.

Apple Gains Share Despite Lower Shipments

Counterpoint said Apple's shipment decline largely reflected the absence of a base iPhone 18, which reduced launch-month channel shipments compared with the full iPhone 17 lineup a year earlier.

However, stronger launches for the iPhone 18 Pro models, particularly in China and India, and continued demand for the iPhone 17 series helped limit the decline.

Apple also raised prices late in the quarter as higher memory costs spread across the industry.

Memory Shortages Pressure the Market

Counterpoint said rising DRAM and NAND prices increased production costs and restricted supply.

Smartphone makers passed more of those costs to consumers, pushing global retail prices up about 20% so far in 2026.

Senior Analyst Shilpi Jain said consumers are keeping phones longer, considering refurbished devices and prioritizing higher-value models.

"This is creating greater pressure across the mass market, while premium demand remains comparatively resilient, widening the gap between premium and price-sensitive segments," Jain said.

Samsung Keeps the Top Spot

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNLF  ) retained the global lead with a 23% share despite a 3% shipment decline.

Counterpoint attributed its performance to stronger component availability, higher-priced products and robust early demand for the Galaxy Z Fold8.

Chinese Brands Cut Lower-Margin Exposure

Xiaomi Corp.'s (XIACY  ) shipments fell more than 30%, reducing its share to 10%, as the company pulled back from lower-priced products and less important overseas markets.

OPPO and vivo each recorded shipment declines above 20%, with market shares falling to 9% and 8%, respectively.

Both companies raised prices in response to higher memory costs and shifted more attention toward products and markets offering better margins.

Recovery Remains Difficult

Counterpoint expects smartphone makers to continue prioritizing profitability over shipment growth through the rest of 2026.

The firm said production cuts, narrower product portfolios and a stronger focus on premium devices will likely continue, while a broader volume recovery remains unlikely until component costs and supply conditions improve.

AAPL Price Action: Apple shares were up 1.05% at $340.19 at the time of publication on Monday. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $345.34, according to Benzinga Pro data.