Apple took the top spot in the global smartphone shipment market during the first quarter of 2026, showing a 5% year-over-year growth, even though overall global shipments actually declined, according to data from Counterpoint Research. The company noted that total smartphone shipments dropped by 6% compared to the same period last year. This was affected by a shortage of memory components, along with the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which hurt consumer confidence. Apple achieved a remarkable milestone by leading the market for the first time with a 21% share. This success was boosted by its strong brand power, efficient supply chain, and excellent performance in the Chinese market, where its sales grew by 23% during the first nine weeks of the year.
Tags
Related editorial
REVYN Launches UAE's First Resale Platform with No Seller Fees
Get ready for REVYN, a new platform now live in the UAE on iOS and Android! It lets users easily buy and sell pre-owned items directly. What's really cool is that sellers pay absolutely no commission, making it the first model of its kind in the UAE market and a big win for sustainable living.
Saudi Arabia's Digital App Market Thrives with Government Services and AI Leading the Charge by 2025
A new report, 'Saudi Internet 2025,' reveals that communication and government service apps are incredibly popular in the Kingdom. What's really exciting is the significant rise of AI applications, which are quickly becoming some of the most downloaded in Saudi Arabia.
Qudwa-Tech Boosts Women Entrepreneurs with AI Skills for Small Business Success
The Qudwa-Tech initiative is helping 330 women entrepreneurs learn how to use Artificial Intelligence for digital marketing and creating content. This training is all about boosting the growth and success of their small businesses.
World Cup 2026 Fuels Digital Payment Surge in Saudi Arabia, Boosting Delivery, Telecom, and Sports
New data from Visa reveals that the 2026 World Cup significantly boosted digital spending in Saudi Arabia. Delivery services, telecommunications, and sports products saw the most notable growth, highlighting how major events can reshape consumer payment habits.