Omdia: Global Smartphone Shipments Exceed Expectations With 1% Growth in 1Q26, but Second-Half Outlook Remains Uncertain

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #Consumer--The global smartphone market shipped 298.5 million units in 1Q 2026, growing 1% year-on-year (YoY), according to Omdia. The quarter was shaped by two opposing forces. Vendor-led front-loading - as Samsung, Apple, and others accelerated sell-in ahead of expected inflation in memory and component costs - supported momentum and contributed to performance exceeding initial industry expectations. However, macroeconomic headwinds continued to weigh on end-consumer demand. Per.