Smartphone Shipments Hit 13-Year Low Amid RAM Shortage
Memory chip crisis and AI demand drive price hikes as consumer electronics sector contracts.
1Global Decline
Smartphone shipments dropped 11% in the last quarter to their lowest level since 2013. Counterpoint Research attributes this to memory chip shortages driving up prices and suppressing demand. Entry and mid-tier manufacturers were hit hardest by these market conditions.
2Manufacturer Strategies
While memory-sensitive brands like Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo saw double-digit declines, Apple and Samsung bucked the trend. Apple grew 3% with strong premium iPhone demand, capturing 20% market share. Samsung regained leadership with 4% growth and 24% share.
3Consumer Behavior Shift
Facing higher prices, consumers are postponing upgrades or opting for previous-generation devices. Carrier-contracted premium models show more resilience due to subsidized upfront costs.
4Industry-wide Impact
The RAM shortage affects all consumer electronics, including laptops and gaming consoles. IDC reported PC shipments fell 4.9% to 68.2 million units in Q3. Apple passed $200 price increases on some MacBooks to consumers.
5Market Outlook
Counterpoint projects full-year smartphone shipments to decline 14%. With memory shortages expected until 2027, budget manufacturers may reduce low-margin models and focus more on refurbished devices.
6AI Disruption
Chipmakers shifting production toward AI components are exacerbating traditional memory chip shortages. This 'RAMageddon' supply chain crisis requires fundamental manufacturing strategy changes for market stabilization.
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