This week, four reports from Counterpoint Research unveiled a decline in smartphone sales and shipments in regions including India, Latin America, Europe, and China. Below are summarised insights from these reports.
Apple Sees Growth Amid Sliding Smartphone Market
The downturn in smartphone sales and shipments is an ongoing trend, yet the latest findings from Counterpoint Research illuminate how pervasive factors such as memory shortages and escalating prices are adversely impacting global demand.
As per a report released yesterday, shipments within Europe contracted by 10% year-over-year during the second quarter, marking the lowest figures in three years.
Notably, Apple gained nine percentage points in market share, now paralleling Samsung with each holding a 34% share of shipments.
Conversely, Chinese manufacturers—Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor—experienced declines, finishing the quarter with shares of 15%, 4%, and 3%, respectively.
In a separate appraisal regarding the Chinese smartphone market during the first 30 weeks of 2026, Counterpoint disclosed an 8.6% contraction year-over-year.
This downturn returned to double-digit declines after the 618 shopping festival, attributed to seasonal weaknesses and ongoing inflation in memory costs.
The firm also remarked that Apple entered its “seasonal slowdown” phase in July, prior to unveiling its new iPhone range expected next month, with some demand being anticipated ahead of the 618 festival.
Turning to India, Counterpoint’s analysis indicated a marked decrease in smartphone sales, registering three successive weeks of year-over-year declines following significant online sales events in July.
Throughout weeks 14 to 31, only two weeks recorded year-over-year sales growth, both coinciding with major promotional activities.
Overall, sales diminished by 14% during weeks 14 through 31; however, Apple defied this trend with a 15% increase year-over-year, marking the most substantial sales growth for the period.
This uplift was attributed to sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series coupled with attractive pricing strategies.
In a recent report on Latin America released today, Counterpoint indicated a 10% year-over-year decline in smartphone shipments for Q2 2026.
Apple and Samsung emerged as the only significant brands to exhibit growth, with increases of 5% and 6%, respectively.
According to the report:
Apple’s shipments rose by 5% YoY, a performance fueled by the brand’s strategic decision to absorb price increases, along with consistent demand for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17e gained traction in Q2 following its late March launch, while older models maintained steady interest.
Counterpoint further noted that “Apple commands LATAM’s high-end and premium price segments (>$600) with approximately a 51% share, while Samsung remains the only notable contender, achieving about 40% in the same segment.”
What are your thoughts on Apple’s performance in these challenging market conditions? We welcome your comments.
Source link: 9to5mac.com.
