Apple Holds US Lead as Smartphone Market Declines 3% in Q1 2026

The US smartphone market contracted 3% year-over-year to 33.4 million units in Q1 2026, pressured by softer carrier upgrades, rising component costs and delayed flagship launches. Apple retained its dominant position with 19.9 million iPhone shipments and a 60% share, while Samsung fell 5% and Motorola rose 18%. Omdia now forecasts a 4% full-year decline, signaling continued pricing and replacement-cycle headwinds for vendors and suppliers into the rest of 2026.