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The Verge - Tech
US Smartphone Sales Fall 5% YoY in Q2 2026 as Pricing Pressure Squeezes Low-end Segment
In Q2 2026, US smartphone sales witnessed a 5% year-over-year decrease, primarily driven by escalating memory prices and reduced consumer spending power amid other economic challenges. The low-end smartphone segment was particularly hard hit, with sales for devices under $100 plummeting 64% YoY, forcing manufacturers to either halt shipments or raise prices significantly. The shift in the market landscape has seen major manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola capitalize on the struggles of smaller OEMs, increasing their market share, especially in the prepaid segment.
MonitorConfidence: HighShort term horizonSupply chain risk: High
Published 13 Aug 2026, 10:05 UTC4 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Total smartphone sales fell by 5% YoY in Q2 2026.
- Low-end smartphone sales under $100 dropped by 64%.
- Samsung and Motorola increased market share amid low-end OEM struggles.
- Rising component costs are affecting smaller manufacturers disproportionately.
- Price increases in the low to mid-range segments are being implemented.
Interesting facts
- Cumulative sales for the Big Four OEMs fell 4% YoY.
- Sub-$100 smartphone sales declined significantly indicating consumer market pressures.
- Prepaid sales declined 11% YoY but increased share for top brands.